MANILA, Philippines — Brazilian volleyball star turned politician Leila Barros joined the list of personalities who have contracted the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Barros announced on Facebook last Sunday that she has tested positive for COVID-19 and will be “under home isolation.”
According to the post, Barros had fever and experienced body pain and severe headache, although tests “did not detect lung chances.”
In a separate post on Monday, Barros said she is confident she will fully recover while also expressing her gratitude after receiving an outpour of good wishes on social media.
“From yesterday to today I received numerous messages of affection and solidarity here on social media. I would like to thank everyone who dedicated part of their day to wish me well,” wrote the 48-year-old Barros, who became the first woman to represent the Federal District of Brazil in the Senate in 2018.
“I have faith that soon I will [recover]. I pray that everyone fighting this disease has strength right now.”
Barros, who played opposite hitter and attacker, is as decorated as they come. She led Brazil to numerous podium finishes including a pair of bronze medals in the 1996 Atlanta and 2000 Sydney Olympics.
In 2000, Barros helped Brazil win the bronze medal in the FIVB World Grand Prix in Manila where she became one of the fan favorites by Filipinos.
Brazil remains among the top coronavirus hotspots in the world just behind the US with 1,884,967 confirmed cases as of posting time.