A NEWPORT teen, struck down by a mystery illness in Kenya, is still in intensive care, a month after returning to the UK.

Chris Morrone, 17, from St Julians, Newport, became ill while one a month-long trip to Kenya, when he started suffering from chest pains and was taken to Nairobi Hospital on August 9.

The St Julians High School pupil was with 39 other young people from the Newport area, on a trip with Adventure Alternative.

Chris underwent a number of operations in Nairobi Hospital, including having part of his lung removed after it was found to be gangrenous, and surgery on a collapsed lung.

After a month in intensive care, doctors decided Chris was stable enough to be flown home on September 11.

He spent around 10 days in the Royal Gwent, before being transferred to the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, after developing complications.

Doctors are still baffled as to the cause of Chris’s condition and his aunt Jill Campbell said they might never know.

Mrs Campbell said: “Since he’s been in Cardiff, he has had several surgeries, trying to repair a hole in his lung, which is delaying his recovery. He’s conscious and has still got a tracheotomy, but they’ve put a speaking tube in.

“Every day we go in he’s different. It’s still very much a yo-yo situation. They’re hoping in the near future to bring him off the ventilator – that’s one of the short term goals.”

Mr and Mrs Morrone were overwhelmed by the support from local people and friends and family both while they were in Nairobi and in fundraising efforts.

Mrs Campbell said it is still “up in the air” when Chris will be allowed home, but doctors have discussed it.

She said: “It is going to be a long recovery and a long rehabilitation process of up to a year.”