Ebola patients discharged from Emory University Hospital

Brantly spoke at a morning news conference: “Today is a miraculous day,” he said.

Brantly talked about his family’s move to Liberia, and about contracting the virus and suffering its ravages. He also stressed the role of faith in his recovery. He said to the assembled and broadcast audience, “I cannot thank you all enough for your prayers and your support.” Brantly also offered thanks on behalf of fellow Ebola patient Nancy Writebol.

In an official statement, Dr. Bruce Ribner, director of Emory’s Infectious Disease Unit, said: “After a rigorous and successful course of treatment and testing, the Emory Healthcare team has determined that both patients have recovered from the Ebola virus and can return to their families and community without concern for spreading this infection to others.”

He explained at the news conference that determination was made due to absence of the virus of the blood, and absence of symptoms for two to three days. He also said the patients’ release poses “no public health threat.”