A 28-YEAR-OLD heiress tragically died from an insect bite after being turned away from two hospitals, her mum has claimed.
Marissa Laimou, also known as Lemos, was found lifeless in her bed by her housekeeper at the apartment where she lived in London on September 11.
NewsflashMarissa Laimos poses with her mother Bessy Laimos[/caption]
NewsflashShe was found dead in her apartment in London[/caption]
NewsflashThe 28=year-old heiress reportedly began to feel ill after insect bites[/caption]
Greek media reported that Marissa began to feel unwell on September when she developed dizziness, itching, fever and other signs of infection.
A doctor who visited her at home prescribed paracetamol but her condition did not improve.
She then went to a London hospital and also saw her oncologist, who arranged for her to be sent to another hospital by ambulance.
But family and friends said nurses, rather than doctors, examined her and concluded she did not need to be admitted.
She was discharged in the early evening with antibiotics and a diagnosis that referred to an insect bite.
The following day she was found dead in her bed.
Her mother, Bessy, told Greek media that toxic shock caused by an insect bite killed her, although it is currently unclear which type of insect bit her.
Bessy said: “My daughter had survived cancer and died from an insect.
“She was a girl with so many gifts, all of England is crying, all her doctors too.”
Relatives said the autopsy had not yet been carried out and would take about a week.
The hospital involved has reportedly admitted that a serious mistake was made and has opened an internal investigation.
Her aunt said the family would have no answers until the post mortem is completed.
Friends said Marissa had recently staged a production of Romeo and Juliet in London and was preparing another theatre project.
They described her as talented, modest and devoted to the arts after surviving breast cancer.
She had previously worked in Paris with designers Sonia Rykiel and John Galliano before founding Rainbow Wave, a company that introduced international brands to London stores.
The Laimos family are one of the best known names in Greek shipping, with business roots stretching back to the early 20th century.
They are now mourning the death of their daughter, whose life bridged the worlds of high society, fashion and theatre in the British capital.
What to do if you get an insect bite?
Most insect bites and stings are not serious and will get better within a few hours or days. Ask your pharmacist about medicines that can help, such as painkillers, creams and antihistamines.
To treat an insect bite or sting, remove the sting or tick, if it’s still in the skin, wash the affected area with soap and water, apply a cold compress or an ice pack to any swelling for at least 10 minutes, raise or elevate the affected area if possible and avoid scratching the area. Traditional home remedies, such as vinegar and bicarbonate of soda are unlikely to help.
If you have troublesome symptoms after an insect bite or sting, the following treatments may help:
For pain or discomfort – take over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (children under 16 years of age shouldn’t be given aspirin).
For itching – ask your pharmacist about suitable treatments, including crotamiton cream or lotion, hydrocortisone cream or ointment and antihistamine tablets.
For swelling – try regularly applying a cold compress or ice pack to the affected area or ask your pharmacist about treatments such as antihistamine tablets.
Contact your GP or call NHS 111 for advice if:
your symptoms worsen or do not improve after a few days
you’ve been stung or bitten in your mouth or throat, or near your eyes
a large area (around 10cm or more patch of skin) around the bite becomes red and swollen or has pus
you have symptoms of a more widespread infection, such as a high temperature, swollen glands and other flu-like symptoms.
Dial 999 for an ambulance immediately if you or someone else has symptoms of a severe reaction, such as:
wheezing or difficulty breathing
a swollen face, mouth or throat
feeling sick or being sick
a fast heart rate
dizziness or feeling faint
difficulty swallowing
loss of consciousness
NewsflashMarissa was tragically found dead in her apartment[/caption]
NewsflashHer grieving family have hit out after her tragic death[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
