Sierra Leone's Chief Ebola Doctor Dies From The Virus

Dr. Sheik Umar Khan

Sheik Umar Khan, the 39 year old Sierra Leonean virologist who treated more than 100 Ebola patients in his country has died. Khan (pictured above), was hailed as a national hero for disregarding his own health and helping sick patients. He was the only specialist the country had in viral haemorrhagic fevers and succumbed to the deadly disease after being diagnosed with the virus last week. He contracted the virus despite exercising extreme caution by wearing protective gear when treating patients.



In an interview last month, Khan had expressed fear for his life because of his constant contact with Ebola patients.

"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 the disease. Even with the full protective clothing you put on, you are at risk" He told Reuters.

His death comes days after a senior doctor at Liberia's largest hospital, Samuel Brisbane, died on Saturday at an Ebola treatment centre in Monrovia. 3 nurses working in the same Ebola treatment center alongside Khan also died from the disease last week. Several other medics have been infected.

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 diarrhea, vomiting and internal and external bleeding.