How Dr. Kenth Brantley, First Case of Ebola Survivor Is Assisting Other Ebola Patients to Recover In the United States

October 25, 2014 – Nina Pham who was admitted into the NIH Clinical Center, Texas after it was confirmed that she was infected with Ebola Virus Disease(EVD) has discharged.

The success of her recovery just nine days after she was admitted to the NIH Clinical centre has been partly attributed to the donation of blood plasma to her by Dr. Kenth Brantley , the first medical doctor noted to have survived Ebola in the world.

Brantley was discharged from Atlanta Emory University Hospital in August 21, 2014 after receiving doses of Zmapps and has been donating his blood plasma to other patients afflicted with Ebola.
After Nina Pham was discharged on Friday she issued a statement thanking Kenth Brantley for donating blood plasma to her.

“I would first and foremost like to thank God, my family, and friends. Throughout this ordeal, I have put my trust in God and my medical team. I am on my way back to recovery, even as I reflect on how many others have not been so fortunate.

“Of course I am so incredibly thankful for everyone involved in my care from the moment I became ill and was admitted to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital — Dallas up to today and my discharge from the Clinical Research Center of NIH. I would especially like to thank Dr. Kent Brantly for his selfless act of donating plasma to me. As a nurse, I have a special appreciation for the care I have received from so many people. Not just doctors and nurses, but the entire support team”, she said.

She then then went ahead to request reporters to respect her privacy.

“I believe in the power of prayer because I know so many people all over the world have been praying for me. I do not know how I can ever thank everyone enough for their prayers and their expressions of concern, hope, and love. I join you in prayer now for the recovery of others, including my colleague and friend Amber Vinson and Dr. Craig Spencer.

“I hope that people understand that this illness and this whole experience have been very stressful and challenging for me and for my family. Although I no longer have Ebola, I know that it may be a while before I have my strength back. So, with gratitude and respect for everyone’s concern, I ask for my privacy and for my family’s privacy to be respected as I return to Texas and try to get back to a normal life and reunite with my dog Bentley”, she said.

According to a statement from the NIH Centre, It is critical to remember that people who have survived Ebola are not contagious and can no longer spread disease.

“We would not be releasing Ms. Pham if we were not completely confident in the knowledge that she has fully recovered, is virus free and poses no public health threat. The healthcare team at the NIH is pleased to have had the opportunity to provide care to Ms. Pham and guide her recovery. We extend our best wishes to her as she continues to regain her strength and return to normal life”, the NIH centre said.