Retired Alexandria Doctor Heading To Sierra Leone

ALEXANDRIA (AP) - A retired doctor from Alexandria is preparing for a trip to Sierra Leone despite federal warnings against non-essential travel to the county.

At age 93, Dr. Lowell Gess doesn't show a bit of hesitation about his upcoming journey to Africa, where he plans to do whatever he can to help combat the Ebola outbreak there. He's eager to renew his ties with the country that date back half a century, when he first went there as a medical missionary.

The retired ophthalmologist won't work directly with patients in Sierra Leone. Instead, Gess will bring about $100,000 in eye medicines and equipment to the country, and then help repair equipment and provide moral support during his stay.

He plans to head to Sierra Leone in January.