A doctor who has treated hundreds with the deadly disease Ebola in Sierra Leone is fighting for his life after contracting the potentially-fatal illness himself.
Sheik Umar Khan, 39, has been hailed as a national hero for his role in fighting an outbreak of the tropical virus which has already killed 206 people in the West African country, and more than 600 across Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Khan is said to have personally treated more than 100 Ebola victims, but has now been taken to a treatment ward run by medical charity Medicins Sans Frontieres after catching the virus.
Health Minister Miatta Kargbo said she would “do anything and everything in my power to ensure he survives”. (Since Ebola virus has no cure, i doubt there’s anything she can do)
With no known cure or vaccine, Ebola kills up to 90% of those who become infected and Khan has previously acknowledged the dangers he faces as part of his work. He said last month:
“I am afraid for my life, I must say, because I cherish my life.
“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.”
Just three days ago, three nurses working in the same Ebola treatment centre as Mr Khan died from the disease.
The Ebola outbreak started in Guinea’s remote southeast in February and has since spread across the region. Symptoms of the highly infectious disease include diarrhea, vomiting and internal and external bleeding.
