Now Two Americans With Ebola Are Headed To The US

A Medevac flight was on its way to Liberia to pick up American patients affected with Ebola, CNN reported on Thursday. While Emory University Hospital in Atlanta confirmed that at least one evacuated patient would be treated in their special isolation ward, the details of the transfer, who had arranged it, and how many patients were involved remained unknown.

Now the U.S. Department of State has confirmed in a statement that it, along with the CDC, is facilitating the medical evacuation of two American patients with Ebola. While reports suggest that these patients are likely the aid workers Ken Brantly and Nancy Writebol, the government's statement did reveal the identity of the patients involved.

"We are so heartened that Nancy is in stable condition and that plans are underway to bring her back to the U.S.," said Bruce Johnson, president of SIM USA, the organization that sent Writebol to Liberia, in a statement. "We are grateful for the help and support of the U.S. State Department in this endeavor."

Here is the full statement, released on August 1:

The State Department, together with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is facilitating a medical evacuation for two U.S. 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, we will not be able to confirm the names or other specific details of these particular cases.

For matters relating to public health precautions in the United States, we would refer to the CDC, which has the overall lead role on those issues within the U.S. Government.