The London community is mourning the tragic death of 45-year-old Marissa Laimou, who passed away unexpectedly while on holiday in Greece after suffering a severe reaction to a suspected insect bite.
Ms. Laimou, described by her devastated family as a "shining light," became violently ill shortly after being bitten. Her condition deteriorated rapidly despite seeking medical attention at a local health centre in Loutraki, where she was initially treated.
Her sister, Dora, recounted the horrifying sequence of events: "She was fine one moment, and then everything changed. The bite became infected, and she developed a high fever and severe swelling. We never imagined something so small could have such devastating consequences."
After her condition worsened, Marissa was rushed to a larger hospital in Corinth. Tragically, she suffered a fatal heart attack believed to be connected to the systemic infection from the bite. She passed away on June 11th.
Family's Heartbreaking Warning to Travellers
Marissa's grieving family has now issued an urgent warning to other travellers about the potential dangers of insect bites, which are often overlooked but can have deadly consequences.
"We are utterly broken," her sister told the Independent. "We want to raise awareness so that no other family has to endure this pain. Please be vigilant, seek immediate medical help for any unusual bites, and don't underestimate the risks."
A Life Cut Short
Marissa, who worked in the fashion industry, was known for her vibrant personality and caring nature. Her family has established a GoFundMe page to cover the costs of repatriating her body to the UK, which has already received overwhelming support from friends and strangers alike.
This devastating incident serves as a sobering reminder of the hidden health risks that can accompany foreign travel, even in popular tourist destinations like Greece.
