A 22-year-old Chilean footballer has died from hantavirus infection after volunteering to help communities affected by wildfires, according to reports. The virus, the same one that caused the death of Gene Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, is raising public health concerns.
Matías Uribe Nova, a player for Club Deportivo Juventud Iberia, succumbed to the infection suddenly. He began experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms, fever, and headache, requiring urgent medical care. His condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to altered mental status and low blood pressure. Doctors suspected hantavirus pulmonary syndrome and prepared to transfer him to a larger hospital in Talca, but he suffered cardiac arrest and died on , before the transfer could be completed.
Hantavirus is a severe viral disease transmitted by rodents. The infection is believed to have occurred while Uribe Nova was volunteering to assist those impacted by the recent large-scale wildfires in the region.
The case is particularly poignant as the same virus claimed the life of Betsy Arakawa, 65, wife of actor Gene Hackman, in . She was found deceased at her Santa Fe home, with Gene Hackman, 95, by her side. Hackman himself passed away a week later from natural causes and heart disease.
Club Deportivo Juventud Iberia issued a statement praising Uribe Nova’s selflessness and dedication. “He was one of the first to go out and help when the fires started… He went without asking questions, giving everything he had, to the point of giving his own life. Matías gave his life for those who needed it most,” the statement read.
The Biobio Regional Health Authority has confirmed this is the first case of hantavirus infection in the region this year and is conducting an epidemiological investigation to identify potential environmental factors contributing to the infection. The virus has a potential incubation period of up to 45 days, making tracing and prevention efforts complex.
Understanding Hantavirus
Hantaviruses are a family of viruses carried by rodents. Different strains of the virus are found in various parts of the world. In the Americas, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is the primary concern. This is the form of the disease that tragically affected both Matías Uribe Nova and Betsy Arakawa.
HPS is a severe respiratory illness. Initial symptoms often mimic the flu – fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. However, the condition can rapidly progress to more serious symptoms, including shortness of breath and fluid accumulation in the lungs. There is no specific treatment for HPS; care focuses on supportive measures, such as oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation.
How is Hantavirus Spread?
Hantavirus is not spread from person to person. Infection occurs when a person comes into contact with urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents. This can happen through several routes:
- Inhalation: Disturbing dust contaminated with rodent excreta can aerosolize the virus, leading to inhalation. This is a common route of transmission, particularly during cleaning or construction activities.
- Direct Contact: Touching rodent urine, droppings, or saliva, and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Bites: Although less common, a bite from an infected rodent can transmit the virus.
Prevention Strategies
Preventing hantavirus infection relies on controlling rodent populations and minimizing exposure to their droppings and urine. Public health officials recommend the following measures:
- Rodent Control: Seal up areas where rodents can enter the home or building. Trap rodents if they are present.
- Safe Cleaning: When cleaning areas contaminated with rodent droppings or urine, wear a respirator mask, gloves, and eye protection. Thoroughly disinfect the area with a bleach solution.
- Ventilation: Before cleaning, ventilate the area for at least 30 minutes.
- Food Storage: Store food in rodent-proof containers.
- Awareness: Be aware of the risks in areas where rodents are common, particularly when engaging in outdoor activities or cleaning enclosed spaces.
The tragic death of Matías Uribe Nova serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with hantavirus, particularly for those working in or near areas with rodent populations. Vigilance and adherence to preventative measures are crucial to protecting public health.
