Today is no doubt one of the happiest of Amber Vinson's life, as she was discharged from Emory Hospital in Atlanta earlier today after being declared healthy. Vinson was the second Texas nurse infected with the Ebola virus after caring for Thomas Eric Duncan, who died from the illness Oct. 9. She eventually was transferred out of Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in favor of Atlanta's Emory facility, one that had previously treated Ebola patients, and it is the excellent care she received there that eventually nursed her back to health.
Vinson spoke briefly at a press conference this afternoon, saying, "I'm so grateful to be well and I want to thank God," said Vinson.
She went on to say this is a day of celebration and gratitude, but she asked those listening not to "lose focus on the families dealing with Ebola in West Africa."
Vinson also asked for privacy in the coming days for her family. She hugged the entire Emory staff who supported her through her health crisis and seemed to be in great spirits.
Vinson initially dealt with a bit of backlash for flying from Dallas to Cleveland, Ohio, and then back again before testing positive for Ebola the day after she returned to Dallas. It was eventually revealed that she had followed the CDC's directions to the letter and her case actually prompted it to change its guidelines and protocols in regards to how health care professionals handle themselves after treating patients.
It was also revealed that Vinson has retained an attorney.
Do you think she is contemplating taking legal action against Texas Presbyterian for dropping the ball when it came to protecting nurses during the first days Duncan was treated at the acility?
Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.
