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Dublin mum who collapsed after mosquito bites on holiday remains critical but stable

Dublin mum who collapsed after mosquito bites on holiday remains critical but stable

Emma Hickey, from Kilbarrack, was on a family holiday with her partner Stephen Brougham and their two children in Costa Adeje.
Shortly into the holiday, the 42-year-old medical secretary began to feel unwell as a result of mosquito bites.
She was taken to the hospital and received injections and antibiotics, but continued to feel unwell for the days that followed.
On June 23, Ms Hickey was making her way to the pharmacy when she felt dizzy and collapsed, hitting her head on a concrete step.
She was rushed to hospital where a CT scan revealed the mum-of-two had a brain bleed and neck fractures.
Ms Hickey's condition continued to deteriorate and she had to be put into a medically induced coma.
'She got a second bleed on the brain and she developed sepsis and a chest infection,' Mr Brougham said.
Ms Hickey's niece, Megan Hickey, said it has been a shock for the whole family.
'When we got the phone call to say this happened, we genuinely didn't know how to take it,' she said.
'We thought, it's a fall, but she'll get through it. She's strong.'
Over €60,000 has been raised via a Go Fund Me appeal to support Mr Brougham and their children while Ms Hickey undergoes treatment in Tenerife.
' I'd really like to thank the people who have supported us,' Mr Brougham said.
'They have made it possible for me to stay by her side here as it is gonna be long term.'
Ten days on from the incident Ms Hickey's niece remains optimistic that her condition has stabilised.
' When she was admitted to the hospital and we were told it'd be quite a long road,' she said.
'She is starting to breathe by herself, she's not really relying on machines as much.'
On Tuesday evening, friends and family gathered at Velvet Strand Portmarnock for a Power of Positivity event to help and support the family.
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