Top Sierra Leonean doctor sick with Ebola

One of Sierra Leone's top doctors has contracted the Ebola virus.

Victor Willoughby is the country's 12th physician to become infected, 10 of whom have died.

Government Chief Medical Officer Dr Brima Kargbo confirmed on Sunday Willoughby had tested positive for Ebola.

Nearly 1800 people have died from Ebola this year in Sierra Leone amid the regional epidemic.

Doctors and nurses have been especially vulnerable because the disease is spread through direct contact with the bodily fluids of the sick.

Junior doctors in Sierra Leone last week launched a strike to demand better medical treatment for health workers who contract the disease.

Kargbo also said on Sunday that skeleton crews had returned to aid the senior doctors.