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The US State Department just confirmed that it, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will be evacuating two US citizens who have been infected by Ebola in West Africa:
The safety and security of U.S. citizens is our paramount concern. Every precaution is being taken to move the patients safely and securely, to provide critical care en route on a non-commercial aircraft, and to maintain strict isolation upon arrival in the United States.
These evacuations will take place over the coming days. CDC protocols and equipment are used for these kinds of medical evacuations so that they are carried out safely, thereby protecting the patient and the American public, as has been done with similar medical evacuations in the past.
Upon arriving in the United States, the patients will be taken to medical facilities with appropriate isolation and treatment capabilities.
Because of privacy considerations, the names of the patients will not be released. We do know, however, that at least one evacuated patient will be treated in an isolation ward at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta.
We also know that at least two American volunteers—Dr. Kent Brantly and Nancy Writebol— were infected with the virus while working with the Christian aid organization Samaritan's Purse. They were in "serious condition" in Liberia as recently as Friday, and the latest news release from the organization stated, "Medical evacuation efforts are underway and should be completed by early next week."
This will be the first time a patient with Ebola is going to be treated in the US, according to the CDC.
