Mass. Doctor Infected With Ebola Heading To Nebraska
BOSTON (CBS) - The Holden doctor infected with Ebola in Liberia is on his way to the U.S. for treatment.
"I just had a call from the doctor who put Rick on a plane to come to the United States. He said that Rick is clearly sick, but that he was in very good spirits and he walked onto the plane. We are really encouraged by that news," said Debbie Sacra.
Dr. Rick Sacra traveled to Liberia to re-open a hospital. The Sacras have served as missionaries for years. They live between their Holden home and Liberia. When Dr. Sacra traveled to the country in early August, the family says they knew he could contract the disease.
Watch Debbie Sacra's Statement
"We are indeed praying that Rick will stay longer with us so that he can continue the good works he has done in Liberia and also caring for patients and teaching family practice resident in Worcester. He would want you to know he would not be afraid to pass into eternal life with the Lord." said Debbie Sacra.
She said she is confident in the care provided by their mission SIM and doctors in Liberia.
"I knew he had to go and be with the Liberian people who needed a hospital to open. He was so concerned with the children who were going to die from Malaria without hospitalization and the women who had no place to go to deliver their baby by cesarean section. He is not someone who can stand back when there is a need that he can take care of," said Debbie Sacra.
Friends and family said Dr. Sacra showed symptoms of the illness on Friday. On Monday tests confirmed he had contracted Ebola. He was not dealing directly with Ebola patients, but was delivering babies and was taking necessary precautions.
Dr. Sacra is expected to arrive at the University of Nebraska Medical Center on Friday. The hospital is one of four in the U.S. with a bio-containment unit.
MORE LOCAL NEWS FROM CBS BOSTON
