Posted on 07/23/2014 5:09:34 PM PDT by nickcarraway
A physician at the helm of Sierra Leone's efforts to contain and control the Ebola epidemic has just been diagnosed with the virus, according to reports from Reuters and the BBC.
Sheik Umar Khan, a virologist, has treated more than 100 patients with the deadly disease and was admitted earlier this week to a high containment treatment facility, according to a statement released on Tuesday by the government. A source inside the ward told Reuters that the doctor is receiving treatment, though no details were given on his current state of health.
Health Minister Miatta Kargbo called Khan a "national hero" and said she would "do anything and everything in my power to ensure he survives," Reuters reports.
Khan, 39 years old, is one of many health care workers in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone who has contracted the disease as a result of firsthand involvement. Though health workers in the region are required to be thoroughly covered in protective gear, many who are tending to the ill have contracted the virus. A BBC reporter at a clinic in Freetown in Sierra Leone said dozens of nurses at a government hospital went on strike on Monday after three health care works died from suspected Ebola infections.
Play VIDEO Face to face with deadliest Ebola outbreak ever In June, Khan told Reuters that he had installed a mirror in his office at the clinic in Kenema so he could check to be sure there weren't any holes in the back of his protective gear before he entered the treatment facility to care for patients. "I am afraid for my life, I must say, because I cherish my life," he told the reporter from Reuters. "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."
Play VIDEO Ebola outbreak strikes West Africa As of July 12, there have been 964 incidences of Ebola and 603 deaths due virus in this area of West Africa since the outbreak first emerged in February, according to the World Health Organization. The virus has maintained a stronghold on the region because of the insufficient borders that separate the three countries. Experts say this current outbreak is the largest in the history. In April, Michel Van Herp, an epidemiologist for the aid group, Doctors Without Borders, predicted the Ebola outbreak would develop into an epidemic on an unprecedented scale.
There currently is no cure or vaccine for Ebola, which has less than a 10 percent survival rate.
Hmm...this sounds like the disease is able to infect persons by just being nearby. Is the means of viral infection airborne, now? Has it mutated to that level?
I wonder.
There is no better argument for a secure border.
A physician who has treated more than 100 active Ebola cases has been a lot closer than "nearby".
It takes only a small number of virus particles to infect -- somewhere there was a breach of containment or personal safety measures or just failed filtration.
Oh gawd, it took only four posts for the single issue commenters to arrive.
Scary times.
I am a complete germaphobe. I never touch my face or mouth, constantly wash my hands and keep distance from sick people. However, last week, I took a friend’s husband to the doctor and while sitting in the waiting room, contracted an airborne virus and have been sick since. Chest congestion, horrible tearing coughing, sinus infection and severe weakness.
Next time, I will wear a mask.
I suppose 86 is your IQ, huh Steve?
This man is a hero.
What he has been doing requires either a saintly sense of self-sacrifice or a cold courage beyond most of us.
I hope he can be saved.
But what about excessive ATM fees?
The number of retard comments like your #4 has really skyrocketed lately. Another genius of a poster said this morning the central American kids are bringing Ebola across the border. I guess if that’s true there won’t be many living central American kids in ten days or so.
Bump
I highly recommend credit union ATMs :)
“Next time, I will wear a mask.”
I swear germs smell fear. I’m careful like you, but it seems everytime I shop at my crowded Walmart, I catch a cold.
God bless all the healthcare workers.
After your comment, steve86, I checked on the posts of The Sons of Liberty. He has actually commented on a wide variety of issues and does not appear to be a single issue commenter as charged. Maybe he is owed an apology.
Secure borders is a major issue for everyone, whether they know it or not. This ebola outbreak has not followed previous patterns. It began in the cities instead of the boonies. People travel quite a lot so it is not a stretch to think we need to be cautious.
The way the government is confining large groups of people in small areas at the border and then scattering them like the wind before they are thoroughly medically checked it is a terrific way to spread any disease.
I certainly don’t dispute any of that (although, of course, jungle primates are the hidden reservoir of Ebola and the true origination point).
The recent influx of central Americans IS likely to spread diseases otherwise uncommon here, but at this point Ebola isn’t one of them.
Much more likely to arrive “legally” from the African continent.
Feel free to issue an apology.
Well stevie, for your information, it is not just Central American kids crossing the border. I hope you find out first hand. Have someone read you the news.
Same situation there — if infected, dead by now or shortly.
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