The university said Dr Williams is a "highly-respected and well liked conservation expert" . Credit: Bangor University
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 (XTBG) 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".
SOURCE: http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-33649786
Another report
Dr Sophie Williams is critically ill in China
Dr Sophie Williams, from Ryedale, North Yorkshire, is a lecturer in Conservation Science at Bangor University. The 31-year-old has reportedly been struck down with Japanese encephalitis - a viral brain infection spread through mosquito bites.
The lecturer's father Mike is the owner of Castlegate News in Yorkshire and has said family and friends were facing a nervous wait ahead of further news.
"After initial assessment and treatment in China, Sophie 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 health-care staff at the hospitals in Xishuangbanna and Bangkok have provided excellent care and support for Sophie and her family. In addition, the staff of the British Embassy and the insurance companyhave provided invaluable assistance."
– BANGOR UNIVERSITY SPOKESPERSON
Sophie is described by the university as a "highly-respected and well-liked" conservation expert. She was working on the joint project between Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanic Garden (XTBG) and Bangor University’s Treborth Botanical Garden when she was taken ill.
Both organisations are supporting the lecturer's family.
