Priest died after adverse reaction to yellow fever vaccine

A priest died after suffering a very rare adverse reaction to the yellow fever vaccine, an inquest heard.

Fr Gerard Cusack (71), prior of Holy Trinity Abbey, Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan, died at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, on March 18th, 2013, 11 days after he had been given the vaccine ahead of a trip to Africa.

Dublin Coroner’s Court heard there had been only 60 documented cases of death due to the vaccine worldwide since its introduction in the 1930s.

Fr Cusack was due to travel to Tanzania to inspect works paid for through fundraising efforts. He attended the Tropical Medical Bureau (TMB) clinic on Grafton Street on March 7th, where he was seen by Dr William Yap and a member of the nursing staff.

Dr Graham Fry, TMB medical director, said Fr Cusack reported no health issues, previous or at the time, on the medical questionnaire or during his consultation with Dr Yap. He was prescribed medication for his upcoming trip and given a number of vaccinations, including for yellow fever.

The court heard Fr Cusack presented at Cavan General Hospital on March 15th, complaining of feeling ill. His GP had prescribed an antibiotic but this had no effect. His condition deteriorated rapidly and he was transferred to Beaumont, where he died from multi-organ failure on March 18th.

The inquest was adjourned to August 19th to hear direct evidence from Dr Yap.