2 American Aid Workers Infected with Ebola Virus
Two American aid workers in Liberia, Africa, have contracted the Ebola virus.
The two U.S. citizens are Dr Kent Brantly, working with Samaritan's Purse, a Christian charity, and Nancy Writebol, a missionary. Both were declared to be in a stable condition and were being treated at the ELWA hospital in Monrovia, capital of Liberia.
Early treatment is vital in this virus but the doctors say that both of them still need intense care. "They're both receiving intensive early treatment, but certainly it's a dangerous situation and a frightening situation," spokeswoman Melissa Strickland told AFP.
Kent Brantly, 33, was working in Liberia since October 2013 for the North Carolina-based aid organization Samaritan's Purse. Writebol was working as a hygienist responsible for detoxifying protective suits at the Ebola isolation center. Her husband David also works as a technician at the center.
Brantly's wife and two children flew back to America before the doctor started showing symptoms of the virus, reports the Washington Post.
The family has exhibited no symptoms of the disease, according to a spokesperson of the Samaritan's Purse
Government health officials revealed that one of Liberia's prominent doctors, Dr Samuel Brisbaine, working at the John F Kennedy Memorial Center in Monrovia succumbed to the disease on Saturday, reports the Washington Post.
The deadliest Ebola epidemic in west Africa has killed at least 660 people since February, according to statistics from the World Health Organization. There is no known cure for the highly contagious virus,
At least 1,201 people have contacted the virus in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, according to the World Health Organization. 319 people have died in Guinea and 224 in Sierra Leone.
Ebola is highly contagious and often fatal and has no known cure. It spreads via bodily fluids, and is easily transmitted through contact.
Symptoms include fever and sore throat initially, followed by vomiting, diarrhea and internal and external bleeding.
