UK TV presenter hospitalized in Rio with rare malaria strain
LONDON (AP) British TV presenter Charlie Webster has been brought out of a medically-induced coma in Rio de Janeiro after contracting a rare strain of malaria during a 3,000-mile (4,828 km) charity cycle ride.
The 33-year-old's family said in a statement she was able to speak to them Thursday, but remains in intensive care in a hospital.
The Team GB ambassador, who has worked for Sky Sports, is being kept on dialysis as her kidneys are not responding to treatment and is being supported by a respirator. Yet doctors said they are ''very happy with Charlie's neurological results'' after performing a number of cognitive tests.
Her family said: ''It's been the worst imaginable time - we have been beside ourselves with worry but the fact Charlotte is now conscious is amazing.''