(Photo Credit: Cutland Police)

Anti-Malarial Medication Caused Mental Deterioration

Alana Cutland, a promising nineteen-year-old student from Cambridge University in England, jumped to her death from a plane during a research trip to Madagascar, authorities say. Authorities are speculating that Cutland’s death could have been caused by a rare adverse reaction to the anti-malarial medication.

Malaria, a serious illness spread by mosquitoes, is common in tropical climates like Madagascar’s. Travelers are often advised to take medication to guard against the infection, which can be deadly. But Cutland’s mental health deteriorated rapidly after she received the medication, and she became restless and paranoid. Witnesses said she had not slept for days before she jumped to her death. She also appeared paranoid.

“Her SMS, email and telephone contact with her parents indicated she was going through a very difficult psychological period,” local police say.

Lariam, the anti-malarial drug, has been linked to adverse psychological reactions, including suicidal actions. But Cutland’s parents say she took Lariam on a trip to China last year and did not suffer any side effects. Her parents said she might have had an adverse reaction to “other drugs” she was taking.

“We are heartbroken at the loss of our wonderful, beautiful daughter, who lit up every room she walked in to and made people smile just by being there,” Cutland’s parents said in a statement.

Cutland’s body has not been recovered yet because she fell into a densely forested area.