Ebola Infected Missionaries Transported Back to U.S. in Special CDC Containment Jet
Dr. Kent Brantly and Nancy Writebol are returning to America in a specially outfitted CDC jet to receive further treatment for the Ebola virus they contracted in Liberia while working as missionaries.
CNN reported that both have left Liberia in the specially outfitted airplane where they will remain in enclosed structures so as not to infect anyone else. They are headed to Atlanta's Emory University Hospital where they will be treated for the disease in a special facility containment unit.
"Emory University Hospital has a specially built isolation unit set up in collaboration with the CDC to treat patients who are exposed to certain serious infectious diseases," the hospital's officials told ABC News. "It is physically separate from other patient areas and has unique equipment and infrastructure that provide an extraordinarily high level of clinical isolation. It is one of only four such facilities in the country."
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"When this unit was being built, we hoped we'd never have to use the space to treat a serious communicable disease," Emory epidemiologist Bruce Ribner told WXIA.
Just yesterday, Brantly turned down an experimental serum and told doctors to give it to Writebol. Unfortunately, the treatment failed to improve her condition and sources claim her health has even taken a turn for the worse after receiving it.
"Even though her condition has worsened, we know she is receiving the best possible medical care, and we are thankful that she has access to this experimental drug," Bruce Johnson, president of the charity SIM USA said in a statement. "We believe in the power of prayer and ask people around the world not only to pray for Nancy and Kent, but also for everyone affected by this terrible virus."
Both Brantly and Writebol are in "stable but grave condition," Samaritan's Purse said on its website. "However, Dr. Brantly received a unit of blood from a 14-year-old boy who had survived Ebola because of Dr. Brantly's care. The young boy and his family wanted to be able to help the doctor that saved his life."
"I remain hopeful and believing that Kent will be healed from this dreadful disease," Brantly's wife said in a statement. "He is strong and peaceful and confident in the love of Jesus Christ, which is his sustenance right now."
