A doctor who has played a key role in
combating the recent Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone is now infected with the
virus that causes the disease.
by John
Tyburski
Copyright © Daily
Digest News, KPR Media, LLC. All rights reserved.
West Africa
has been experiencing what the World Health Organization has called the worst Ebola outbreak ever,
and the disease remains a serious concern not only for the region but for the
world population. The outbreak originated in Guinea but also hit hard in Sierra
Leone, where hope of controlling the deadly disease has waned in
recent weeks. Now a key official in the fight against Ebola is reported to have
contracted the virus himself, according to a report from the Sierra Leone
Ministry of Health.
Dr. Sheik
Humarr Khan contracted the virus but is in stable condition, contrary to
reports that the physician had succumbed to the disease. Ebola is a viral
illness that causes fever and bleeding and is lethal in about 90 percent of
cases. There are currently no vaccines or cures for Ebola illness, also known
as hemorrhagic fever.
Khan is
currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Freetown, the capital of Sierra
Leone. His care is being managed by the French aid group Medicins Sans
Frontieres, or Doctors Without Borders. Khan had been overseeing Ebola
isolation and treatment units at Kenema Government Hospital located
approximately 185 miles east of Freetown.
The Ministry
of Health used social media to allay false reports that Khan had died and
advised that he is alive and responding to treatment. Doctors Without Borders
spokesman Tim Shenk cited patient confidentiality in declining to comment on
Khan’s condition and outlook.
The number
of Ebola cases in Sierra Leone has reached 427; 144 deaths have been attributed
to the disease, according to the health ministry. Sierra Leone and Guinea
continue to report the most cases, but the death rate has dropped to about 60
percent. The greater survival rate has been credited to early detection and
treatment.
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