By Kristel Satumbaga
Former Brazilian volleyball star Leila Barros, who once charmed Filipino fans during her visit to the country two decades ago, has tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19).
It was learned through her social media accounts over the weekend, saying that she underwent the RT-PCR test after she got fever and experiencing body aches.
Imaging exams, however, showed no trace of damage to her lungs.
She is currently in home isolation.
The 48-year-old Barros, who is now a Senator in Brazil, gained popularity in the Philippines when the Brazilian volleyball squad competed in the FIVB World Women’s Volleyball Grand Prix in Manila 20 years ago.
She has also won two bronze medals for Brazil at the 1996 Sydney and 2000 Atlanta Olympics.
A day after the announcement, the retired opposite spiker thanked her fans for sending comforting messages through social media.
“I have faith that soon, I will recover. I say my prayers that everyone who fights against this disease will have strength at this moment,” Barros said in Portuguese.
