CHARLOTTE, NC — We’re learning more about a second missionary with ties to Charlotte who was infected with the Ebola virus in Liberia.
Doctor Rick Sacra is from Boston, and joined Charlotte-based SIM USA in the 1980s.
It’s a bittersweet time for SIM. Dr. Sacra’s diagnosis highlights the ongoing battle with the deadly virus in West Africa, and comes on the heels of a dramatic recovery by Charlotte missionary Nancy Writebol, who spoke for the first time Wednesday about her battle with Ebola.
“And I thought, whether I live, or whether I die, it’s going to be okay,” said Nancy. “It’s going to be okay.”
Nancy Writebol beat Ebola. Now she and her husband, David, are talking about their ordeal, and the moment David told Nancy she had the virus.
“David came towards me to give me a hug and to put his arms around me,” said Nancy. “And I knew how dangerous that was, and so I said ‘No. Just no.'”
The clock was ticking.
Writebol and Samaritan’s Purse doctor Kent Brantly both had Ebola. Both took an experimental drug, and flew back to the US. But it was touch and go.
“As I was put on that airplane, I don’t even know if I’m going to make it to the US,” said Nancy. “I don’t even know if I’m going to see my dear husband again.”
The Writebols are thanking the medicine, doctors, and health care workers on both sides of the ocean, and countless prayers for her recovery.
“We’ve heard from around the world, literally,” said David. “It’s prayers of support, and cards and letters, and so many ways that people have said they are praying for Nancy.”
This was our first chance to hear from David and Nancy Writebol about her amazing recovery from the Ebola virus; but also an opportunity for SIM to give details about another case, an American doctor who’s also contracted the virus.
Dr. Rick Sacra volunteered to go to Liberia to take Brantly’s place. Now he has Ebola.
SIM President Bruce Johnson says the experimental drug Writebol and Brantly took is not available, and it’s not clear if Sacra will be brought back to the States.
“We’re exploring all opportunities and options,” said Johnson. “But right now our focus is the care of Rick right there in Liberia.”
Human trials are underway in Maryland on a new Ebola drug.
The World Health Organization says the virus has killed nearly 2,000 people in West Africa this year.
