Nancy Writebol, the missionary stricken with Ebola while in West Africa, was discharged from Emory Hospital on Aug. 19 after testing clear for the virus. According to a media release, Writebol and her husband have gone to an undisclosed location to rest and spend time with one another.
The second patient, Kent Brantly, MD, is being discharged today, Aug. 21.
“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,” Bruce Ribner, MD, director of Emory’s Infectious Disease Unit, said at a press conference today.
Criteria for the patients’ discharges were based on blood and urine diagnostic tests and standard infectious disease protocols. Emory said its medical team maintained its extensive safety procedures throughout the treatment process and is confident the discharge of the patients poses no public health threat.
“The Emory Healthcare team is extremely pleased with Dr. Brantly’s and Mrs. Writebol’s recovery, and was inspired by their spirit and strength, as well as by the steadfast support of their families,” said Ribner.