Malaria kills Scottish father who worked for oil business in Africa
A SCOTS oil worker has died after contracting malaria while working in Africa.
Robert Miller became ill after returning home from Angola, where he was working for an offshore services company.
The 39-year-old was taken to Caithness General Hospital in Wick but had to be airlifted to the intensive care unit at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary after his condition deteriorated.
Mr Miller’s wife, Pam, announced on Wednesday morning that he had passed away after the disease caused his organs to shut down.
The father of one, known as ‘Hubba’, had been home in Scotland for only a fortnight.
Mrs Miller, 42, posted on Facebook: ‘Hardest thing I’ve ever written but Robert’s mum and I decided that this would be the best way to let colleagues and friends know that Robert (Hubba) passed away this morning.
‘He developed malaria and after being transferred to ICU in Aberdeen his organs began shutting down.
‘Thank you for all the messages today, as you can imagine we’re all devastated but knowing he was so loved is a huge comfort.’
Mr Miller, from Wick, had worked for several companies in Angola, most recently a specialist tankcleaning firm, NF Clean.
When leaving the West African country, he described heading off on the ‘gruelling journey home’.
However, once back with his wife and schoolboy son, Matthew, he began to feel unwell – his symptoms then became so severe that he was taken to hospital.
Last night, Mr Miller’s mother Maureen, a retired teacher, and his step-father, Roger Bamford, described how the tragedy has devastated the family.
In a written statement, they said: ‘The family are heartbroken at the tragic passing of Robert.
‘The speed with which Robert’s illness progressed has left us devastated, and we are finding it difficult to come to terms with our loss. Throughout his life, Robert was a genuine, kind-hearted, loveable person, who always made time for everybody.
‘He will be sorely missed by family, friends, colleagues and others in the wider community.’
The family also praised the efforts made by doctors to save their son.
Their statement said: ‘The staff at Caithness General Hospital, the Air Ambulance and Aberdeen Royal Infirmary intensive care unit did all they could to save Robert’s life and their work was outstanding.’
Friends of Mr Miller posted tributes to him online. David Bannerman posted on Facebook: ‘Sending my condolences at the sad news of Rob ‘Hubba’ Miller – a good friend and colleague.
‘My thoughts and prayers to his family. RIP, my friend.’
A family friend, Julie Mackay, wrote: ‘Shocked and so sad to hear about Hubba. He was a great guy and he’ll never be forgotten.’ Jason Brown added: ‘Devastating news to hear.
‘Honoured to have met and worked with Hubba. Some hilarious and great memories.’
Mr Miller’s funeral is due to take place on Monday at Wick’s Pulteneytown Parish Church.
NHS Highland and NHS Gramcompany, pian officials said they were unable to comment on individual patients.
Mr Miller had worked for oilfield service company Schumberger before moving to become operations manager for Angola-based TECSEP, at its Malongo base in north of the country.
His latest role was working for the offshore services and support NF Clean. No one at the company was available for comment last night.
The risk of contracting malaria is extremely high in Angola and the disease accounted for nearly 16,000 deaths there in 2016, according to the Severe Malaria Observatory.
It is spread mainly via mosquito bites, and large areas of Africa are vulnerable, as are parts of Asia and the Middle East.
Symptoms – which usually appear between seven and 18 days after infection – include high temperature, vomiting, muscle pains, diarrhoea and headaches.
The condition can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated promptly and may lead to severe complications such as anaemia, kidney and liver failure and a drop in blood pressure.
Only a handful of people die from the disease in the UK every year, with six victims in 2016, according to the latest figures.
‘Organs began shutting down’ ‘Devastating news to hear’