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Football Star Dies from Rare Rat Virus
11 Feb
Summary
- Young footballer Matías Uribe Nova died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
- He contracted the virus while volunteering after a wildfire in Chile.
- The rare virus is carried by rodents and can be fatal.
A promising 22-year-old amateur footballer, Matías Uribe Nova, has died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, an exceptionally rare and fatal rodent-borne virus. Nova reportedly contracted the illness while volunteering to aid victims of a significant wildfire in Lirquén, Chile. He initially presented with gastrointestinal symptoms, fever, and headache before his condition worsened rapidly.
Doctors suspected hantavirus after tests and an X-ray, admitting him to emergency care due to altered consciousness and low blood pressure. A transfer to a larger hospital was arranged, but Nova suffered cardiac arrest on February 7 before he could be moved. CPR attempts were unsuccessful. This marked the first case of hantavirus in the Biobio region this year, prompting an epidemiological investigation.
Hantavirus is carried by rodents and is known for its severity, potentially causing hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). The virus previously gained attention when it was identified as the cause of death for Betsy Arakawa, wife of actor Gene Hackman, who passed away in 2005. Hantavirus is not transferable between humans. Nova's football club, Deportivo Juventud Iberia, paid tribute to his selfless actions and immense heart, emphasizing his commitment to helping others.
