West Africa has been experiencing what the World Health Organization has called the worst Ebola outbreak ever, and the disease remains a serious concern not only for the region but for the world population. The outbreak originated in Guinea but also hit hard in Sierra Leone, where hope of controlling the deadly disease has waned in recent weeks. Now a key official in the fight against Ebola is reported to have contracted the virus himself, according to a report from the Sierra Leone Ministry of Health.

Dr. Sheik Humarr Khan contracted the virus but is in stable condition, contrary to reports that the physician had succumbed to the disease. Ebola is a viral illness that causes fever and bleeding and is lethal in about 90 percent of cases. There are currently no vaccines or cures for Ebola illness, also known as hemorrhagic fever.

Khan is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone. His care is being managed by the French aid group Medicins Sans Frontieres, or Doctors Without Borders. Khan had been overseeing Ebola isolation and treatment units at Kenema Government Hospital located approximately 185 miles east of Freetown.

The Ministry of Health used social media to allay false reports that Khan had died and advised that he is alive and responding to treatment. Doctors Without Borders spokesman Tim Shenk cited patient confidentiality in declining to comment on Khan’s condition and outlook.

The number of Ebola cases in Sierra Leone has reached 427; 144 deaths have been attributed to the disease, according to the health ministry. Sierra Leone and Guinea continue to report the most cases, but the death rate has dropped to about 60 percent. The greater survival rate has been credited to early detection and treatment.