Ebola virus: Liberian doctor receiving experimental new drug ZMapp dies
Doctor was among the first Africans to receive ZMapp as supplies dwindle
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A Liberian doctor taking an experimental anti-Ebola drug has died, according to the country’s information minister today.
Dr Abraham Borbor, the deputy chief medical doctor in the country’s largest hospital, was one of three Liberians taking the experimental drug ZMapp, credited with saving two Americans infected with Ebola.
There has been no update on the condition of the other two patients.
Information minister Lewis Brown said Dr Borbor “was showing signs of improvement but yesterday he took a turn for the worse”.
It is believed Dr Borbor died in Liberia capital Monrovia.
The situation in Liberia has rapidly lurched from a medical disaster into a humanitarian one, as authorities have battled to contain the virus against local superstitions and fears.
Last week it was reported police fired live rounds into crowds in an attempt to maintain a quarantine zone in the heavily crowded West Point slum in Monrovia.
Health services in Liberia have been overwhelmed, with cases of looting and families hiding their sick seriously impeding their work.
More than 1,400 people have so far died from the Ebola virus affecting Liberia, Guinea, Nigeria and Sierra Leone in west Africa.
Only six people in the world have received ZMapp, which is purported to have saved two American health workers. However, the experimental drug has run out.
There is no known cure for the virus, which can have a 90 per cent fatality rate - although in the current outbreak the rate is estimated to be nearer 55 per cent.
Only yesterday an RAF airplane touched down carrying the UK’s first Ebola patient, nurse William Pooley, 29.
Mr Pooley contracted Ebola while working in Sierra Leone and is currently being treated in a special isolation unit at a London hospital. He is not believed to be receiving the ZMapp drug.
Meanwhile, Japanese authorities are preparing to issue flu medication to combat the virus.
The anti-influenza tablet favipiravir is hoped to be effective against the Ebola strain as viruses are same type.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments