U.S. doctor and missionary contract Ebola in Liberia

World Today

Dr. Kent Brantly and missionary Nancy Writebol, who have been working in Liberia to save the lives of Ebola patients, are now in isolation after becoming infected. Janet Shamlian reports.

Despite wearing protective suits while treating patients, both have contracted the highly contagious virus.

The virus is spreading quickly to the West African countries of Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia, where a top doctor died from it days ago. All but three of Liberia’s border crossings were closed on Sunday. The country’s president has also placed restrictions on public gatherings.

More than 670 people in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea have died from Ebola.

Symptoms of the virus are similar to the flu. They include fever, headaches, diarrhea, vomiting, weakness and stomach pain. There is no treatment or vaccine.

U.S. doctor and missionary contract Ebola in Liberia

Dr. Kent Brantly and missionary Nancy Writebol, who have been working in Liberia to save the lives of Ebola patients, are now in isolation after being infected with it themselves. Janet Shamlian reports.