A 22-year-old footballer has died after contracting a rare virus carried by rodents – the same deadly disease that killed Hollywood icon Gene Hackman’s wife.
Matias Uribe Nova was admitted to A&E in Chile after experiencing “altered consciousness” and low blood pressure. The Club Deportivo Juventud Iberia player had earlier tried to get help at an urgent care centre after suffering from gastrointestinal symptoms, fever and a headache.
During his second visit, laboratory tests and a chest X-ray were performed. Doctors suspected a case of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome and requested a transfer from the hospital in Lirquen to a larger facility in Talcahuano.
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But while awaiting that transfer Nova suffered a cardiac arrest and, despite receiving CPR, died before he could get the urgent treatment he required on Saturday, February 7.
Following his death, the Biobio regional Health Authority confirmed the presence of the virus – the first case in the region this year. It is believed Nova contracted hantavirus while volunteering to help people affected by major wildfires in the area, as reported by NeedToKnow.
Hantaviruses are a family of viruses that can cause diseases such as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome and haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. They are mainly spread through contact with rodents, particularly exposure to their urine, droppings, or saliva.
(Image: Jam Press)
Andrea Gutiérrez Aravena, head of the authority’s epidemiology unit, said: “We have launched an epidemiological and environmental investigation to determine the factors that contributed to the infection, the duration of exposure, and other relevant details, taking into account that the virus’ incubation period can last up to 45 days before symptoms appear.”
The virus infamously claimed the life of film legend Gene Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, who was found dead at their home in Santa Fe in February last year.
She was discovered alongside the actor, who had advanced Alzheimer’s disease and is thought to have died a week later than his partner, from natural causes including severe cardiovascular disease, aged 95.
Nova played football for Club Deportivo Juventud Iberia, an amateur team based in Penco, where his remains were laid in wake.
The club paid tribute with a statement, which read: “Matias never showed a bad expression, never got angry, had an enormous heart, and a light that seemed to come from somewhere special.
“He was truly remarkable, touched so many hearts, and today everyone realises how deeply he reached each and every one.
“When the wildfires broke out, he was clearly among the first to go and help – supporting those affected in his beloved club and even people he didn’t know.
(Image: Jam Press)
“He went to help without asking for details, giving everything he had, truly everything, even to the ultimate extreme… giving his life.
“Even if it’s hard to grasp now, Matías gave his life for those who needed it most during this disaster, and God will reward him infinitely alongside his family.
“Fly high, dear Mati. We will always remember you.”
Nova was laid to rest in Penco on Monday, February 9. He is survived by his family, including his sister.