Surgeon who contracted Ebola virus in Sierra Leone dies at Nebraska hospital

A surgeon who contracted the Ebola virus died this morning at a Nebraska hospital.

The surgeon had been assisting with Ebola efforts in Seirra Leone when he contracted the disease. He had been transported to the Nebraska facility for treatment.

Nebraska Medical Center spokesman Taylor Wilson said Salia died shortly after 4 a.m. Monday due to advanced symptoms of the disease.

The medical director of the unit responsible for treating the stricken physician, Dr. Phil Smith said, “Dr. Salia was extremely critical when he arrived here, and unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we weren’t able to save him.”

The U.S. State department said that it assisted in making the arrangements for the transportation, but that Dr. Salia paid the costs himself.