A 34-year-old Russian man has died from malaria after being bitten by a mosquito during a holiday in Zanzibar, leaving behind his pregnant wife and a mountain of debt.

The tragic death of Vladislav Larionov, a car dealership manager from the city of Ulyanovsk, marks the first fatal case of malaria in the region. He passed away on 10th April, after spending a month in intensive care.

Larionov and his wife, Kamila, travelled to Zanzibar at the end of February.

Vladislav Larionov poses in undated photo. He died of malaria in Ulyanovsk, Russia. Note: Private photo taken from local media. (Newsflash/NX)

Upon returning to Ulyanovsk, he developed flu-like symptoms, including a high fever of 39°C (102.2°F).

Initially misdiagnosed as influenza, his condition deteriorated, leading to hospitalisation and a diagnosis of malaria.

Albert, Kamila's brother, said: "He was placed in intensive care, connected to a ventilator.

Vladislav Larionov poses with wife in undated photo. He died of malaria in Ulyanovsk, Russia. Note: Private photo taken from local media. (Newsflash/NX)

"We were afraid of every call. But it still happened."

Kamila, who is expecting their first child, has been left to cope with the loss and the financial burden of a mortgage and loans that Larionov had been managing.

Albert added: "It was very difficult for her. She doesn't need these worries now; she can't be nervous in her condition."

Vladislav Larionov poses with wife in undated photo. He died of malaria in Ulyanovsk, Russia. Note: Private photo taken from local media. (Newsflash/NX)

The family had not intended to publicise their grief, but news of Larionov's death leaked to the media.

(MJ Leidig/newsX)