Bangor lecturer Sophie Williams critically ill on China trip

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-33649786

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A north Wales university lecturer is in a critical condition in hospital after falling ill during a visit to China.

Bangor University scientist Dr Sophie Williams has reportedly been struck by a viral brain infection spread through mosquito bites.

She was taken to a hospital at Xishuangbanna in the Yunnan province but has since been transferred to another hospital in Bangkok, Thailand.

The university said the conservation expert is receiving "excellent care".

It is understood she became infected with Japanese encephalitis earlier this month.

'Care and support'

She had been working on a joint project between Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanic Garden and Bangor University's Treborth Botanical Garden.

A university statement said: "After initial assessment and treatment in China, she was transferred to another hospital in Bangkok where she remains in a critical condition.

"The staff of Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanic Garden as well as the healthcare staff at the hospitals in Xishuangbanna and Bangkok have provided excellent care and support for Sophie and her family."

The statement said they are continuing to support Dr Williams's family and they wished her a "rapid recovery".