Sierra-Leonean Doctor Contracts Ebola, Called National Hero

The Head doctor leading the fight against Ebola in Sierra Leone has been affected and is being treated for the same virus.

Sheik Umar Khan, who tested positive has been admitted in Kailahun Government Hospital in the Eastern district of Sierra Leone.

Khan, a Sierra Leonean virologist credited with treating more than 100 Ebola victims, has been transferred to a treatment ward run by Medicines Sans Frontiers, according to a statement released late on Tuesday by the Sirleaf Ellen-Johnson’s office.

The Health Minister, Miatta Kargbo, who was in tears when she heard the news called Khan a “ National Hero”, and promised to “do anything and everything in my power to ensure he survives”.

Khan told Reuters late in June that he was worried about contracting Ebola.

“I am afraid for my life, I must say, because I cherish my life,” he said in an interview, showing no signs of ill health.

Three days ago, three nurses working in the same Ebola treatment centre alongside Khan, died from the disease which resulted to Nurses strike.

“Health workers are prone to the disease because we are the first port of call for somebody who is sickened by disease. Even with the full protective clothing you put on, you are at risk.”

The Ebola outbreak started in Guinea’s remote southeast in February and has since spread across the region. Symptoms of the highly infectious disease are diarrhoea, vomiting and internal and external bleeding.

More than 630 people have died of Ebola in the three West African states since the outbreak began, United Nations’ figures show.

It is the world’s deadliest outbreak to date and there is no cure for Ebola but if patients receive early treatment, they have a better chance of survival.