The most senior Sierra Leone doctor helping to fight the Ebola epidemic has died after contracting the virus from patients.

The most senior Sierra Leone doctor helping to fight the Ebola epidemic has died after contracting the virus from patients. Dr. Sheikh Umar Khan was a virologist in charge of a hospital unit treating Ebola patients in Kenema – a major city in the most effected area of the country. Dr. Khan was credited with treating over 100 patients since the outbreak began in February.

He passed away on Sunday in a Doctors without Borders clinic, just a few days after being diagnosed.

“It is a big and irreparable loss to Sierra Leone as he was the only specialist the country had in viral haemorrhagic fevers,” Chief Medical Officer Dr. Brimba Kargbo said on Tuesday.

Dr. Khan was aware of the risks he was taking, but continued to work with Ebola patients. He has been hailed by Sierra Leoneans as a national hero. 

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Xavier Symons

Xavier Symons is a bioethicist and scholar in residence at the Kennedy Institute for Ethics at Georgetown University.

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