American Ebola doc: 'I am recovering in every way'

Dr. Kent Brantly, the American doctor infected with Ebola released a statement Friday — his second since being brought back to the U.S.

Brantly was working for humanitarian organization Samaritan’s Purse in West Africa, treating Ebola patients at a Liberia hospital when he contracted the deadly virus. On Saturday, August 2, he was flown to Emory University Hospital, where he has been in isolation while receiving care.

He released the following statement:

“As my treatment continues in the isolation unit at Emory University Hospital, I am recovering in every way. I thank God for the healthcare team here who is giving me compassionate, world-class care. I am more grateful every day to the Lord for sparing my life and continuing to heal my body. 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.

Thank you for your prayers for Nancy and me. Please continue to pray for and bring attention to those suffering in the ongoing Ebola crisis in West Africa. Their fight is far from over."

Fellow American Nancy Writebol, who was working for U.S. mission group SIM, was also infected with Ebola. She returned to the U.S. August 5th and is also at Emory receiving treatment.

In a press conference August 1st, Emory’s Dr. Bruce Ribner, said this would be the first time a patient with the Ebola virus would be treated in the U.S. and Emory is taking safety precautions seriously.

The patients were placed in the hospital’s containment unit, which is discrete from the rest of the hospital.

"From the time the air ambulance arrives in the metro Atlanta area, up to and including being hospitalized at Emory University Hospital, we have taken every precaution we know and that our colleagues at the CDC know to ensure no spread of this pathogen," Ribner said.

The patients are under the care of four infectious disease physicians, including Ribner. At any given time, there are two nurses available for each patient and subspecialists are available if more care is needed. Ribner noted that, at that time, they did not know how long the patients would be under their care, as degrees of illness complications affect patients' ability to stabilize and recover.