Doctors caring for Rick Sacra, M.D., the man who contracted the Ebola virus while treating patients in West Africa, say his condition continues to improve.
“We’re pleased with his progress,” said Phil Smith, M.D., a UNMC infectious disease specialist and medical director of the Biocontainment Patient Care Unit at The Nebraska Medical Center. “His lab values are improving and he’s becoming more alert and interactive. We continue to be encouraged by what we’re seeing up to this point.”
Dr. Sacra’s family members tell doctors they’re starting to see more of his personality emerge each day.
“He’s kind of becoming his normal self,” said Angela Hewlett, M.D., a UNMC infectious disease specialist and associate medical director of the Biocontainment Patient Care Unit.
“Family members continue to speak with Dr. Sacra on a regular basis via video conference and that’s a big help for both the patient and his family.”
The staff caring for Dr. Sacra is also faring well.
“Everyone has been positive and upbeat,” said Shelly Schwedhelm, director of the emergency department, trauma and emergency preparedness at The Nebraska Medical Center. “Everyone has been able to get some much-needed rest and we’re making sure everyone is taking good care of themselves as well as Dr. Sacra.”
Schwedhelm said staff members continue to come forward who want to volunteer to work in the unit. “We’re looking to add more members to the team caring for Dr. Sacra,” Schwedhelm said. “It’s been encouraging to see that trend and it’s extremely helpful to be able to add even more depth to the unit.”