Malaria Tragedy Of Thai Trip Student, 21

MALARIA TRAGEDY OF THAI TRIP STUDENT, 21

A Fit 21-year-old, just home from a gap year trip to Australia and Thailand, has died from a tropical disease so rare that the annual UK death toll is in single figures. James Garner returned to England last month and suffered no symptoms other than headaches and a sore throat.

But four weeks after being reunited with his family, he collapsed in the bedroom of his home at Sneyd Avenue, Westlands, Newcastle. His mother, Dr Morag Lauckner, a consultant anaesthetist at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire, tried to resuscitate him but he died in her arms. Hours earlier he had played football with his brother and friends.

A post mortem examination has shown he died from cerebral malaria. Across Britain an average of just seven people a year die of malaria out of the 2,000 who contract the disease abroad.

James's family and friends say he was plagued by mosquitoes whenever he went abroad and got bitten even when he used protective creams.

Malaria is not a threat in Australia but the Foreign Office says precautions are essential in areas of Thailand off the tourist track. There is no vaccination for the disease and visitors are advised to take anti-malarial medication before travelling. James's family do not know what medication he had taken.

James, who was a student at St Joseph' s College, Trent Vale and Newcastle College, postponed a degree course in photography to raise money for the trip to Australia with best friend, Andy Brys of Eccleshall. The pair set off last September and both celebrated their 21st birthdays there.

After nine months travelling and working in Australia, James went to Thailand for a three week adventure holiday before coming home on June 1. He was due to start the course in Blackpool this autumn.

He was a considerable athlete who loved football, swimming and hill-walking.

--The Sentiel UK, 2004-07-12