Rick Sacra with his wife, Debbie.
Rick Sacra, the third American missionary who had contracted Ebola while doing aid work in West Africa, has now fully recovered from the virus and has returned to his Massachusetts home.
"I am so grateful," said Sacra. "Just so incredibly grateful to have gotten through this illness! Many were praying for me, even people I did not know personally. During the time I was here, there was a growing confidence that God was answering those prayers, and that I was steadily improving. Thanks to God and to the team here at the Nebraska Medical Center!"
After having contracted the virus in West Africa, Sacra was relocated to the Nebraska Medical Center for more intensive care and treatment. Sacra received an experimental drug called TKM-Ebola, which "inhibits the virus's ability to replicate," according to SIM. He also received a plasma donation from Kent Brantly, one of the first two American missionaries who had contracted Ebola and fully recovered. Antibodies from survivors of the virus are likely to help fight the virus more effectively, according to reports.
Doctors say they are not sure which part of the treatment was the most effective in allowing for Sacra's recovery, or if it was a combination of the experimental drug, the plasma, and the supportive care from the medical team.
"Ever since I committed my life to Jesus in my youth, he has loved me, stood beside me, and given me grace. But the outpouring of His grace during my fight with Ebola has been especially generous," said Sacra.
"I would like to request a continued outpouring of prayer and practical help of West Africa," he continued. "Though MY crisis has reached a successful end here, unfortunately the Ebola crisis continues to burn out of control in West Africa."
