texas

Symptoms Improving for North Texas Doctor with Ebola Virus

Colleagues of Dr. Kent Brantly say helping others outweighed the risks to himself

Colleagues of Dr. Kent Brantly, the Fort Worth native who has been hospitalized since contracting Ebola in West Africa last week, said his condition improved Wednesday, though he remains in serious condition in isolation.

Volunteers with Samaritan's Purse said symptoms were improving for the 33-year old medical director for The Ebola Care Center in Liberia.

Brantly recognized the symptoms early and has a better chance of surviving than others might, colleagues said. In many cases, only about 10 percent of people who contract the virus survive.

Brantly's colleagues in Texas continue to pray for him. Those who knew him when he was a student at Abilene Christian University and an intern for the World Wide Witness program said he believed trying to help others in underserved areas of the world far outweighed the risks that come along with the job.

The Ebola situation in Liberia continues to worsen, according to a newspaper reporter who spoke to NBC 5 by phone Tuesday.

"He is a very intelligent young man," said Dr. Gary Green, ACU's coordinator for the World Wide Witness program. "I'm sure he didn't make any of his decisions quickly. He investigated thoroughly and considered all the options."

Words of praise come from the faculty at Abilene Christian University where Brantly graduated. His compassion while in school transcended into his professional life, a life of giving to others in need.

His mission to Liberia was no surprise to those who know him. But word that he contracted the Ebola virus last week came as a shock.

The condition of a North Texas doctor who contracted the deadly Ebola virus while working for a relief organization in Africa is worsening, colleagues with Samaritan’s Purse say.

He remains in serious condition in Liberia, although there have been signs of improvement within the past day, doctors said.

But those who know him said he knew the risks were high when going overseas.

"Kent is the kind of guy that would weigh the benefits versus the risks and try and take himself out of the equation," said Green. "So he would consider, 'What do I bring to the table? Is it going to be so much that the risk is worth it that I can benefit so many people?' That’s just the way he is."

Several people attended a prayer service Wednesday evening at Southside Church of Christ, the Fort Worth church Brantly attended.

Contact Us