Β CHARLOTTE, NC —Β Two Americans diagnosed with the deadly ebola virus in Africa are returning to the US. Β A medical charter flight left Georgia tonight and is headed to Liberia. Β
The plan is to evacuate Charlotte missionary Nancy Writebol and Dr. Kent Brantly, a Samaritan’s Purse volunteer. Β One of the patients will reportedly be taken to Emory Hospital near the CDC headquarter in Atlanta. Β However, officials haven’t confirmed which one.
We’re told Writebol was given an experimental drug Thursday. Β Dr. Brantly had the option of taking the treatment, but decided to give it to her instead.Β There was only enough for one dose. Β Both patients are in stable, but grave condition. Β Samaritan’s Purse confirms their conditions worsened overnight. Β Still, Writebol’s son Jeremy is hanging on to hope.
“I can communicate with Mom from time to time for a few minutes once a day, so that’s helping it, but it is a very difficult, emotional process for us,” he said.
The CDC issued a heightened travel warning to countries with ebola Thursday. Β The World Health Organization estimates 729 people have died from the virus this year.
