Famous Virologist Succumbs to Ebola in Seirra Leone

A famous virologist, who was treating people with the Ebola infection, succumbed to the disease Tuesday, said Seirra Leone health officials.

Dr. Sheik Humarr Khan was hospitalized in quarantine and later died of the virus, confirmed health ministry officials, reports the Associated press.

The Ebola virus is spread through bodily fluids and the health workers are most vulnerable to the virus.

This virus is the largest outbreak in the history of Africa and has spread to Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea and Nigeria. The Ebola virus originates from the fruit bat of Pteropodidae family.

Liberia and Sierra Leone have stepped up screening at airports. Some flights have been discontinued to Monrovia and Freetown, Sierra Leone

Binyah Kesselly, chairman of the Liberia Airport Authority board, said, "So if you have a flight and you are not complying with the rules, we will not allow you to board."

These measures follow the death of an American of Liberian descent who died of the disease and had been using ASKY airlines frequently to travel.

His sister died of the same infection but he claimed he had not been in contact with her after the diagnosis.

However, the World Health Organization says the risk of spread of virus between travelers is low because the virus does not spread through casual contact.

This virus doesn't have a specific treatment or medicine and the symptoms are fever, aches and later diarrhea and bleeding.