A promising footballer has died after contracting a rare rodent virus. Matías Uribe Nova, 22, was volunteering to help people affected by a wildfire when he fell ill with hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.

The rare illness is carried by rodents and last year claimed the life of Betsy Arakawa, wife of Hollywood legend Gene Hackman. The amateur footballer presented with symptoms at a hospital in Chile before his condition deteriorated quickly. After initially suffering gastrointestinal symptoms, fever and a headache, Matías underwent tests and an X-ray which revealed he had contracted hantavirus.

After being admitted into emergency care, Matías’ condition deteriorated, with the young man going into cardiac arrest before he could be transferred to a larger hospital.

Despite the best efforts of medics, Matías could not be saved.

Matías’ football club Deportivo Juventud Iberia paid tribute to the player: “Matías 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.

“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, Matias 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.”

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Hantaviruses are a group of viruses that are normally carried by rodents, such as rats, mice and voles.

They are present throughout the world and they cause a range of diseases in humans ranging from mild, flu-like illness to severe respiratory illness or haemorrhagic disease with kidney involvement.

Old World hantaviruses (those present in Europe, Asia and Africa) tend to cause haemorrhagic and kidney disease, whilst new world hantaviruses tend to cause severe respiratory disease.

Each hantavirus is specific to a different rodent host. Once infected the rodent will secrete infectious virus for prolonged periods, probably for life.

Transmission of the virus to human occurs through the inhalation of infected animal excreta and fluids, such as urine, faeces and saliva.

To help reduce the risk of infection, simple hygiene precautions such as washing your hands after handling rats or their bedding and cage should be applied.