Malaria jab has altered my son's mind, says missing nurse's mother

The parents of a nurse who vanished after being infected with malaria in a medical trial believe he is still alive – but may be mentally damaged by the disease.

Doreen and Michael Holland think Matthew Lloyd, 35, is still in Britain but could be so stricken by malaria that he cannot seek help.

Experts warned Mr Lloyd would die if he did not turn up to take anti-malaria medication after being infected with the deadliest strain of the disease on October 1.
Anguish: Michael and Doreen Holland have heard nothing from their son Matthew

Anguish: Michael and Doreen Holland have heard nothing from their son Matthew

Despite his picture appearing on TV and in newspapers, ex-Royal Navy seaman Mr Lloyd has not been seen since being captured on CCTV cameras at King’s Cross station in London on October 5.

Yesterday Mrs Holland, 64, spoke of her agony as it was disclosed that six of the other trial volunteers had shown symptoms of the disease.

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‘I have an instinct he is confused and ill but hasn’t come to any harm,’ she said. ‘I think the malaria injection must have triggered something the doctors did not know about.

‘I can’t believe he is functioning fully. If he was, he would’ve been in touch. If people see him acting unusually, he is not dangerous. Please approach him and get him help.’
Mystery: Authorities have appealed for Matthew Holland to come forward

Mystery: Authorities have appealed for Matthew Holland to come forward

Mr Lloyd’s sister Claire, 31, added: ‘He was happy and he loved nursing. The malaria must have seriously affected his system or his senses. There could be no other reason for him not telling us what he is doing.’

Mr Lloyd specialised in contagious diseases at Southampton General Hospital, so he knew the importance of receiving treatment.

Mrs Holland said doctors had told her he passed psychological tests before being infected with malaria in the Oxford University-run trial.
Dedicated: Matthew served in the Royal Navy before becoming a nurse

Dedicated: Matthew served in the Royal Navy before becoming a nurse

The experimental vaccine was injected into Mr Lloyd and seven others in early September before, on October 1, they were infected with the falciparum strain of malaria, which can result in brain damage, seizures, comas and death.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1321162/Malaria-jab-altered-sons-mind...
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