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A leading cancer expert has died suddenly after a routine yellow fever jab.

Martin Gore - once described by the Duke of Cambridge as an 'inspiration' - suffered total organ failure shortly after having the injection.

The jab is recommended to anyone visiting Sub-Saharan Africa, South and Central America and the Caribbean, reports The Times.

The 67-year-old Professor Gore worked as an oncologist for more than 35 years, focused on ovarian cancer, melanoma and renal cell carcinoma.

Serious side effects from the vaccine are very rare, but are more common in those over the age of 60.

(Image: Getty Images)

In 2015, he was given The Royal Marsden's Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Prince William.

The Duke of Cambridge said at the time: "I've found Martin a source of inspiration – his infectious enthusiasm and passion for his work, and his obvious compassion and kindness for his patients, their family and friends, reinforces my knowledge that The Royal Marsden is a truly special place.

"He's one of the pioneers of 20th century cancer care, and a friend, colleague and trusted doctor to many."

(Image: royalmarsden.nhs.uk)

A year later he was an awarded a CBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours for his work in these areas.

A report in the Journal of Travel Medicine found that between 2007 and 2013, there were just under four cases of serious adverse effects from the vaccine per 100,000 doses.

This increased to 6.5 per 100,000 for those aged between 60 and 69, and 10.3 per 100,000 for those aged 70 and above.

Serious adverse effects recorded in the study included hospitalization, life-threatening illness, permanent disability and death. Five people died from the jab in this period.

Peter Openshaw, an ex-president of the British Society for Immunology, told the Times that there has been a four-fold increase in the risk of side-effects for those 60 and above.

But he emphasised that the jab was much safer than exposure to yellow fever, which killed around 78,000 people in Africa in 2013.

The Royal Marsden Cancer charity shared the news on Facebook , saying: "It is with deep sadness that The Royal Marsden announces the sudden death of Professor Martin Gore CBE who died this morning.

"Martin was at the heart of The Royal Marsden’s life and work in research, treatment and the training of our next generation of oncologists.

"His contribution as Medical Director for 10 years, a Trustee of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, and as a clinician is unparalleled.

"He has been a friend, colleague and mentor to so many people and his loss will be immense."