Dr. Kent Brantly, a 33-year-old Ebola survivor, was discharged from Emory University Hospital in Atlanta. Brantly acquired the Ebola virus while caring for infected patients in West Africa. Nancy Writebol, a 59-year-old aid worker also contacted Ebola while doing missionary work in Liberia. Brantly and Writebol were the first two individuals to receive an experimental drug for the Ebola virus. Physicians aren’t certain if health improvements were a result of the experimental drug, or related to the quality of medical care given in the U.S. as opposed to the care received in West Africa.

Dr. Bruce Ribner, director of Emory’s Infectious Disease Unit shares the following on NBC News, “After a rigorous course of treatment and testing, the Emory Healthcare team has determined that both patients have recovered from the Ebola virus and can return to their families and community without concern for spreading this infection to others.” Brantly expressed his gratefulness to God for surviving the Ebola virus and thanked the medical staff for their efforts and support. Brantly and his family plan to take time off to reconnect as family after being apart for one month. Writebol and her husband will also be taking time to themselves. Brantly and Writebol will be monitored for potential side effects of the experimental drug and for adequate recovery. Although Brantly and Writebol have survived the Ebola virus, little is known on the adverse effects of the given experimental medication. NBC News points that although both patients are free from a particular strain of Ebola, immunity to other strains of the Ebola virus may not be present. To view Brantly’s thankfulness speech visit NBCnews.com.  

Facts on the Ebola virus!

The Ebola virus is a severe disease with fatality rates as high as 90%.  The virus is transmitted to humans from wild animals like bats, chimpanzees, monkeys, and others. Viral transmission can be through direct contact of infected blood, secretions, bodily fluids, or indirect by touching contaminated surface areas. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is no licensed treatment or vaccine for the Ebola virus. WHO notes a total of 142 new cases of Ebola virus and 77 deaths reported this month alone between the 19^th and 20^th of August in the regions of Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone. For a complete report on the Ebola virus outbreak visit the WHO.  

* All information shared in this article should be discussed with your healthcare provider prior to incorporating any suggestions. This article is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide advice or direct client decisions.