Dr. Kent Brantly released a statement Friday from the isolation ward at Emory University Hospital in which he thanked his supporters and the Lord for enabling him to continue fighting the deadly Ebola virus.
He also confirmed that his health is improving.
"I am writing this update from my isolation room at Emory University Hospital, where the doctors and nurses are providing the very best care possible," he wrote, according to Fox News. "I am growing stronger every day, and I thank God for His mercy as I have wrestled with this terrible disease.
"I also want to extend my deep and sincere thanks to all of you who have been praying for my recovery as well as for Nancy and for the people of Liberia and West Africa."
Brantly and Nancy Writebol were caring for Ebola-stricken patients in Monrovia, Liberia when they became infected themselves.Brantly was medically evacuated to Atlanta on August 2, and Writebol on August 4.
"My wife Amber and I, along with our two children, did not move to Liberia for the specific purpose of fighting Ebola," Brantly explained. "We went to Liberia because we believe God called us to serve Him at ELWA Hospital.
"One thing I have learned is that following God often leads us to unexpected places. When Ebola spread into Liberia, my usual hospital work turned more and more toward treating the increasing number of Ebola patients. I held the hands of countless individuals as this terrible disease took their lives away from them. I witnessed the horror firsthand, and I can still remember every face and name.
"When I started feeling ill on that Wednesday morning, I immediately isolated myself until the test confirmed my diagnosis three days later. When the result was positive, I remember a deep sense of peace that was beyond all understanding. God was reminding me of what He had taught me years ago, that He will give me everything I need to be faithful to Him.
"Now it is two weeks later, and I am in a totally different setting. My focus, however, remains the same—to follow God. As you continue to pray for Nancy and me, yes, please pray for our recovery. More importantly, pray that we would be faithful to God's call on our lives in these new circumstances."
The Ebola outbreak began in Guinea in February, and quickly spread to Sierra Leone and Liberia. The World Health Organization reported 932 deaths from the virus in just six months.
