North Texas

Texas Doctor Fighting Ebola Receives Blood from Survivor

A North Texas doctor who contracted the deadly Ebola virus while working for a relief organization in West Africa remains in poor condition, but he is getting help from a young teen whose life he saved.

Franklin Graham, president of the group Samaritan's Purse, said Dr. Kent Brantly took a turn for the worse overnight.

Graham also said, "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."

Brantly has been in Liberia since 2013, giving medical care to people with Ebola, before he came down with it this week.

Now, the outbreak of Ebola is getting much worse.

"This the toughest Ebola outbreak we've ever had to face, and Ebola itself is a dreadful and merciless virus," said Dr. Tom Frieden, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC issued a travel warning Thursday for all nonessential travel to Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.

Brantly and North Carolina nurse Nancy Writebol remain in isolation while they both fight the illness.

An experimental serum arrived to them on Thursday, but there was only enough for one of the two to receive the treatment. Graham said that Brantly asked that Writebol get it.

Officials at Atlanta's Emory University Hospital said Thursday they expect one of the Americans to be transferred there "within the next several days," but further information was not released.

In a statement released Thursday, Brantly's wife, Amber Brantly, said:

"I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the many people who have reached out to me and my family during this difficult time. Thank you to our good friends and thousands more who have been in constant prayer and fasting for Kent’s deliverance from this disease. Also, thank you to Samaritan’s Purse for their warmth, professionalism and support they have extended to us.

"I remain hopeful and believing that Kent will be healed from this dreadful disease. I am grateful for the daily reports I receive from his doctors on the ground. He is strong and peaceful and confident in the love of Jesus Christ, which is his sustenance right now.

"Many people have been asking how I am doing. The children and I are physically fine. We had left Liberia prior to Kent’s exposure to the virus. I am always anxiously awaiting any news from Liberia regarding Kent’s condition. Through the mountain tops and the valleys of this ordeal, I have been given a peace that comes from my relationship with my God. Jesus remains the Rock that I lean on. I feel strengthened each passing hour by your prayers. Through letters and comments, we have felt God’s love and comfort poured out to us from literally every corner of the world.

"During our time in Texas, the children and I have enjoyed the reunion of family. Our kids have been a welcome relief and distraction to us all, reminding us of our joy and hope.

"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.

"I ask for your continued prayers for Kent, Nancy and the many others who are suffering."

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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