Malaria: Harry's story

A gap year is a right of passage for many graduates, so when Harry Yirrell, a 20-year-old student and rugby player, set off for Ghana it was unthinkable that a mosquito bite could end his life

As air travel continues to fall in price, British travellers are increasingly visiting exotic destinations where malaria is prevalent. However, the vast majority are not aware of the hard facts about the disease. It only takes one bite from an infected mosquito to contract malaria and although it is a preventable infection, it can be fatal if left untreated.

Harry decided to make the trip to Ghana only a week before flying out. He got all the necessary vaccinations from his doctor and a course of anti-malarial tablets before setting out on the adventure of a lifetime, an overland trip in a lorry taking school supplies via Mauritania to Ghana.

He was there for four months in total, two of those in a village in Ghana. During his stay he wanted to help the village kids and gave away his malaria tablets. Ten days after his return Harry died. Harry's mum, Jo Yirrell, tells his story.

'Harry wasn't ill at all while he was out there, although I don't think he was careful about avoiding bites. When I picked him up from the airport he looked great. He'd lost weight because he'd been eating very healthily and not drinking, but he looked as right as rain. He was a keen rugby player and went straight back to playing.'

Early warning signs

'About a week after he got back he started to get headaches. We thought it was because he hadn't had a drink in four months and he'd been going out, catching up with his friends. On the Friday morning he started sweating. I thought this wasn't right and made him an appointment at the doctor's. He didn't make it to the doctor's because he then got diahorrea. At this point I did think it could be malaria, but I didn't worry too much. I had no idea malaria was a killer.