UK TV presenter hospitalized in Rio with rare malaria strain

UK TV presenter hospitalized in Rio with rare malaria strain

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 3:51 p.m. ET

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.''

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