A promising 14-year-old swimmer has died from complications related to Covid-19 after being given the all-clear by doctors and competing in a national competition.
Mariana Franklin Ferreira Silva passed away from unspecified complications caused by Covid-19 on 19th December.
Earlier this month, she took part in a national swimming competition. She had previously tested positive for the illness, but had resumed training after doctors gave her the all-clear.
Silva tested positive for Covid-19 in November. However, she only showed mild symptoms, according to family members.
After being declared fit and healthy by doctors, she took part in a national swimming competition in the coastal city of Santos in the south-eastern Brazilian state of Sao Paulo on 9th and 10th December, competing in the 50-, 100- and 200-metre freestyles.
Upon returning home to the municipality of Presidente Prudente in the same state, she started to get a sore throat which worsened despite taking medication.
The teen’s aunt, 41-year-old Erica Bernardes da Silva, told local media: “We took her to three hospitals, and everyone said it was tonsillitis. Only at the Regional Hospital did they do a CT scan, which found that her lung was affected. Then she was admitted.”
The hospital in Presidente Prudente admitted Silva on 13th December and released her later the same day. However, she was readmitted on 17th December with severe breathing difficulties.
Silva hoped to recover and even had a suitcase packed to compete in her next swimming tournament in the municipality of Bauru. However, her condition worsened and she passed away on 19th December and was buried the following day in Presidente Prudente.
Silva’s mother, Shirley Araujo Christiane, told Newsflash: “It serves as an example for the population to take care of themselves and take care of their loved ones.
“Nothing will bring my angel back to me. My girl shines in heaven, an angel of light. I know that health professionals are tired, but I ask for more attention to our children.
“She had a bright future, so I accept the will of the Heavenly Father who wanted her close to him.”
The grieving mother, who also has a son called Matheus, told Newsflash: “She was a healthy, strong athlete. I can’t understand it even now. I believe it was God’s will.
“Her cycle here among us was short. Now she shines in heaven. I just want to alert the population. I know she would want me to do this. I want the world to fight this damn virus.”
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