Two charity workers who contracted Ebola as they helped fight the epidemic in West Africa have been released from hospital after successful experimental treatment.
Doctor Kent Brantly worked with Christian aid organisation Samaritan’s Purse in Liberia treating patients when he fell ill with the disease.
The 33-year-old and fellow American Nancy Writebol, an aid worker who also contracted Ebola while in the country, were airlifted back to the States amid much controversy for treatment.
Dr. Brantly had selflessly insisted Ms Writebol should be given the only vial of experimental medicine when they fell ill last month.
Instead he was given a “unit of blood” from a 14-year-old who had survived Ebola – which some doctors believe would contain antibodies strong enough to fight off the virus.
The pair were held in the acute isolation centre at the Emory University Hospital in Atlanta after arriving earlier this month.
Several Americans, including billionaire Donald Trump, expressed outrage over the decision to bring them back to the States fearing they could spread the disease.
In a statement Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse, he had “marvelled at Dr. Brantly’s courageous spirit as he has fought this horrible virus” and thanked staff at the hospital.
“I join all of our Samaritan’s Purse team around the world in giving thanks to God as we celebrate Dr. Kent Brantly’s recovery from Ebola and release from the hospital,” he said.
“I know that Dr. Brantly and his wonderful family would ask that you please remember and pray for those in Africa battling, treating and suffering from Ebola.”
“Those who have given up the comforts of home to serve the suffering and the less fortunate are in many ways just beginning this battle,” the statement continued.
“We have more than 350 staff in Liberia, and others will soon be joining them, so please pray for those who have served with Dr. Brantly – along with the other doctors, aid workers and organisations that are at this very moment desperately trying to stop Ebola from taking any more lives.”
