The doctor told Wilber Portillo that he had a ‘strong infection’. He went to sleep that night and never woke up.
Wilber Portillo, an 18-year-old in Denver, died after contracting COVID-19 for what his family and friends say was a second time.
Portillo’s cousin and his girlfriend say that Portillo tested positive for the virus in early October and again in mid-November, just two days before he died.
He reportedly went to the doctor on November 18, where he was told he had a “strong infection” in his lungs. That night, he went to sleep, he and never woke up again.
According to a local report, Portillo contracted COVID-19 in the first week of October and, after being quarantined and recovering, believed he had immunity. His girlfriend, Andrea Ferrel, stated that he still practices social detachment.
However, within a month, he was sick again.
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“Just because you are young, you are not immune to it,” said Ferrel, “and although we see more cases with older people with health problems and even people without health problems, it is important that you stay at home. “
Portillo was a frequent volunteer. One of the organizations he worked for, Metro Caring, wrote about him in Twitter: “He loved snowboarding, entrepreneurship and inspiring other people. Wilber Portillo was 18 years old and was infected by COVID when he died on November 19. “
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A GoFundMe effort organized by cousin Portillo Jamie Gomez who has already finished noted: “If there is anything we would like you to remember, Wilber is, BE THE BEST YOU. This was his motto, be the best you are, live life to the fullest. We also hope to raise awareness that COVID-19 must be taken seriously. It doesn’t matter how young or healthy you may look. Please stay at home as long as you can, unless it is for essential needs. “
The fund raised more than $ 13,000 for Portillo’s funeral services.
Public Health England, an association of health professionals in Britain, noted that studies show that antibody infection normally lasts for five months. The potential for reinfection is usually greater in healthcare professionals or in essential public-facing functions.
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The post-Denver teenager dies after fighting COVID-19 twice first appeared on TheGrio.