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Doctor dubbed ‘national hero’ for treating Ebola contracts disease

Sheik Umar Khan is now fighting the deadly tropical virus.Reuters

The head doctor working in Sierra Leone to treat a deadly outbreak of the Ebola virus has now contracted the disease.

Sheik Umar Khan, a 39-year-old virologist who’s treated more than 100 Ebola victims, has been diagnosed with the incurable tropical disease which has already killed 206 people in the country, Reuters reports.

A source at the Medecins Sans Frontieres medical ward where Khan was transferred to undergo treatment, confirmed that Khan was alive and under the care of doctors, but did not elaborate on his current condition.

The Ebola virus, which has no cure or vaccine and a 90% kill rate, has already taken the lives of 632 people across Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, according to the latest World Health Organization data report.

Released on Saturday, the report revealed that there were 19 new deaths and 67 new cases since the last statement was released four days prior.

When informed of the doctor’s disappointing news, Health Minister Miatta Kargbo referred to Khan as a “national hero” and said she would try to “do anything and everything in my power to ensure he survives.”

Back in June, Khan spoke about how terrified he was of the possibility of contracting the Ebola virus, according to Reuters.

“I am afraid for my life, I must say, because I cherish my life,” he said in an interview, showing no signs of the deadly disease.

“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.”