One of two Americans being treated
for Ebola at Emory University Hospital says he is recovering and hopes to be
discharged soon.
Kent Brantly, a doctor who was infected while treating Ebola patients outside
Monrovia, Liberia, said, in a statement Friday, he has made progress in his treatment in a special isolation unit
Emory. "I am recovering in every way," he said.
(Ebola virus: Outbreak could last another six months).
Dr. Kent Brantly and his wife,
Amber, are seen in an undated photo provided by Samaritan's Purse. Associated
Press
"There are still a few hurdles
to clear before I can be discharged, but I hold on to the hope of a sweet
reunion with my wife, children and family in the near future," he said. He
didn't elaborate on the hurdles.
"I am more grateful every day
to the Lord for sparing my life and continuing to heal my body," he said.
(Ebola virus: For want of gloves, doctors die).
Dr. Brantly, 33 years old, of Fort
Worth, Texas, was working in Liberia for Samaritan's Purse, a faith-based
charity that operates a hospital and campus there. He had been in Liberia since
October 2013 as part of a post-residency program and began treating Ebola
patients when the outbreak erupted. He developed symptoms of Ebola on July 23
and isolated himself.
The second American Ebola patient at
Emory, Nancy Writebol, 59, is also improving, according to a statement from her
husband provided through the faith-based charity the two work for, SIM USA.
"Each time I talk to her, her voice is clearer and brighter," said
David Writebol. "She is getting better and stronger. She is moving in the
right direction, and from everything I hear, she's making good
Ms. Writebol is believed to have
become infected while working in the same Ebola treatment center where Dr.
Brantly was treating patients. She was diagnosed shortly after Dr. Brantly. Mr.
Writebol has also left Liberia and is under quarantine on SIM USA's campus in
Charlotte, N.C.
While under treatment in Liberia,
Dr. Brantly and Ms. Writebol received an experimental drug, called ZMapp, that is made by
San Diego-based Mapp Biopharmaceutical Inc. and had never been tested in
humans. The two were evacuated to Atlanta earlier this month.
Ebola experts say that most deaths
from the disease occur during the eighth to 10th day of illness. But full
recovery can take several weeks and the virus can linger for a few weeks in
reservoirs in the body.
"Please continue to pray for
and bring attention to those suffering in the ongoing Ebola crisis in West Africa,"
Dr. Brantly said. "Their fight is far from over."
By_ wsj
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