Sophie Williams is in a Bangkok hospital after being struck by a virus while on a research trip to the Far East.

Earlier this month, the highly respected conservation expert was infected with Japanese encephalitis, a type of viral brain infection spread through mosquito bites.

A spokesman for Bangor University said: “Dr Sophie Williams remains in a critical condition, although we understand that the medical team are hoping to transfer her to a UK hospital in the near future.”

Lecturer was found unconscious

The lecturer was undertaking botanical research with students from Bangor University 400 miles from the city of Kunming in China when she began to feel unwell on July 6.

The 31-year-old, from North Yorkshire, complained of feeling very tired with headaches and nausea before being found unconscious and taken to hospital.

Bangor University

 A spokesman for Bangor University said: “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.

“In addition, the staff of the British Embassy and the insurance company have provided invaluable assistance.

“Sophie, a highly-respected and well-liked conservation expert, was working on the joint project between Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanic Garden and Bangor University’s Treborth Botanical Garden when she was taken ill.

“Together, both organisations are supporting Sophie’s family and we wish Sophie a rapid recovery.”

According to the NHS, Japanese encephalitis is most common in rural areas throughout South East Asia, the Pacific islands and the Far East, but is very rare in travellers.

The virus is found in pigs and birds, and is passed to mosquitoes that bite the infected animals. It cannot be spread from person to person.