Advertisement

U.S. Ebola patient Kent Brantly arrives in Atlanta

Dr. Kent Brantly, U.S. doctor infected with Ebola virus, arrives Emory University Hospital in Atlanta.

By Danielle Haynes
Emory University Hospital and the nearby CDC are preparing for American victims of the deadly Ebola virus when two aid workers are strong enough to be air lifted from Africa to Atlanta in the next few days, according to officials on August 1, 2014. UPI/David Tulis
1 of 12 | Emory University Hospital and the nearby CDC are preparing for American victims of the deadly Ebola virus when two aid workers are strong enough to be air lifted from Africa to Atlanta in the next few days, according to officials on August 1, 2014. UPI/David Tulis | License Photo

ATLANTA, Aug. 2 (UPI) -- Dr. Kent Brantly, an American doctor infected with the Ebola virus after working with patients in Liberia, arrived Saturday in Georgia for treatment, the aid group he worked for said.

Kent and another U.S. national, Nancy Writebol, were working with aid group Samaritan's Purse to treat Ebola patients when they were both diagnosed with the virus last week.

Advertisement

Brantly, of Fort Worth, Texas, arrived on a charter plane Saturday at Dobbins Air Reserve Base near Atlanta. He was transported to Emory University Hospital in Atlanta for treatment.

The hospital is situated near the headquarters for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

Todd Shearer, a spokesman for Samaritan's Purse, said it is hoped Writebol will be brought to the United States early next week.

Brantly's wife, Amber Brantly, issued a statement giving thanks for the support her family has received throughout her husband's illness.

"I remain hopeful and believing that Kent will be healed from this dreadful disease," she said.

"I have been encouraged by the Writebol family and their bravery during this situation. They have kindly reached out to me and offered their full support and prayers as we walk this road together," Amber Brantly added. "I ask for your continued prayers for Kent, Nancy, and the many others who are suffering."

Advertisement

The symptoms of the Ebola virus, also known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever, include fever, headache, joint and muscle aches, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, lack of appetite, and bleeding inside and outside the body, the CDC said.

The World Health Organization estimates some 1,323 people in Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone have contracted the virus with 729 suspected deaths.

There have been 909 confirmed cases with 485 known deaths.

Latest Headlines