A RACING driver and his girlfriend have both died from a mystery illness.
That’s after taking a trip away together before suffering from fever, pain and red rashes.
Race car star Douglas Costa, 42, and dentist partner Mariana Giordano, 36, developed symptoms on June 3 after visiting a “rural area” in Campinas, Brazil, on May 27.
According to the Epidemiological Surveillance of Jundiai, via Folha UOL, the pair may have contracted dengue, spotted fever or leptospirosis.
Dengue is transmitted by mosquitos and has several symptoms like headaches and joint pain.
Spotted fever is a severe febrile disease which leaves spots on the skin.
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And leptospirosis is an infection which can lead to meningitis and kidney failure.
Costa was taking part in the AMG Cup Brasil, a Merdeces-Benz event, when he was whisked to a private hospital in Jundiai on June 7.
Mariana had already been taken to hospital in Sao Paulo two days earlier.
And both sadly passed away within four hours of each other, with Costa’s death reported to local media on June 8.
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He was buried the following day in Itupeva, while Mariana’s funeral took place in Sao Paulo.
AMG Cup Brasil said: “To all family members and friends, our deepest condolences.
“We know how admirable Douglas was a person and how he will undoubtedly leave a great void in the hearts of everyone who had the honour and pleasure of knowing him.”
Mariana’s brother Marcio Giordana added: “In the short time that you two were together, you had an intense connection.
“But given that not everything lasts forever, you left, leaving a huge void in all our hearts. And nothing, not even time, will erase that.
“[Costa and I] met in Interlagos, we became friends and before I knew it, you became my brother-in-law, and what a brother-in-law you were, a good guy.
“Thank you for everything, pilot. You will be greatly missed in our race gatherings.”
A patient of dentist Mariana said: “She always had a new recipe for my pain. She took care of me so well.
“God must need good, generous people by his side because there is no other explanation.”
Reports claim the couple visited another area, Camanducaia, on June 3 and 4.
The City Hall said in a statement: “Considering that the patients visited the district of Monte Verde on the day the symptoms began, it is unlikely that spotted fever was contracted there, due to the incubation period of the disease, which varies from two to 14 days.
“”Even with the probably contamination originating from outside the district, all necessary epidemiological investigation actions will be carried out to ensure the health of all residents and tourists.”
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
