One of Sierra Leone’s most senior physicians has
died from Ebola, the 11th doctor in the country
to succumb to the disease, a health official said.
Dr. Victor Willoughby, who tested positive for
Ebola on Saturday, died on Thursday, Dr. Brima
Kargbo, the country’s chief medical officer said.
“Dr. Victor Willoughby was a mentor to us
physicians and a big loss to the medical
profession,” said Kargbo. “He has always been
available to help junior colleagues.”
The 67-year-old died just hours after an
experimental drug arrived in the country for him.
The arrival of ZMAb, developed in Canada, had
raised hopes for Willoughby’s survival. But he
died before a dose could be administered, said
Kargbo.
Ebola has taken a particular toll on health
workers, killing more than 350, depleting the
ranks of doctors and nurses in countries that
already had too few to begin with.
Because Ebola is spread by bodily fluids, it is
only transmitted through close contact. It is
often called the “caregivers’ disease” because
those infected are typically family members
caring for the sick or health workers treating
them.
Ebola has infected more than 18,600 people, the
vast majority in Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia.
Of those, more than 6,900 have died.
The disease is now spreading fastest in Sierra
Leone, but the World Health Organization says
there are signs the infection rate may be
stabilising there.
The infection rate in Liberia has been declining,
while it is fluctuating in Guinea.
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