Missionaries Nancy Writebol and Dr. Kent Brantly were released from the Emory University Hospital last week after recovering from the deadly Ebola virus.
“I think Atlanta is fortunate to have the C.D.C. and Emory University who had worked together to prepare for an incident like the Ebola cases, where infected individuals could come and get the excellent care they received.” Said the Director of the KSU Wellstar School of Nursing Dr. Tommie Nelms.
Emory University held a press conference on Aug. 21, the day that Dr. Brantly was discharged, to celebrate the victory and hard work. “After a rigorous course of treatment and thorough testing, we have determined in conjunction with the Center for Disease Control and state health departments that Dr. Brantly has recovered from the Ebola virus infection and that he can return to his family, to his community and to his life.” said Medical Director of the Infectious Disease Unit, Bruce Ribner during the conference.
It was obvious Dr. Brantly depended on his faith in God during his battle with Ebola. “I cannot thank you enough for your prayers,” he said in the press conference reflecting on his recovery. “But what I can tell you is that I serve a God Who answers prayers.”
The other patient, Writebol, was discharged Aug. 19. She was not present in the press conference but left to an undisclosed location to rest with her husband.
According to SIM USA, Dr. Brantly was serving at the ELWA Hosptial where he treated many Ebola patients in Liberia. Writebol was serving with her husband at the ELWA mission camp when she contracted the Ebola virus. After treatment in Liberia Dr. Brantly and Writebol were flown to Atlanta for additional treatment at Emory.
“As grateful as we are today, our hard work is far from over,” said Ribner at the press conference. “We are very mindful of all of those in West Africa who are still fighting for their lives against this threat and those who are caring for them putting their own lives in danger.”
“I just really hope they take this opportunity to spread the awareness of the virus and difficulty and prevalence of the Ebola outbreak in West Africa.” Added Junior Nursing major Amy Hughes.
