Cameraman Ashoka Mukpo has tested negative for Ebola after fighting the disease for almost a month. The freelancer was working for NBC in Liberia when infected with the virus.
Mukpo is one of eight Americans who have been infected with Ebola. He will be cleared to go back home to Rhode Island on Wednesday. 33-year-old Mukpo was evacuated from Liberia after being infected, and has been recovering in Nebraska Medical Center.
The Center for Disease Control has reported that Mukpo’s blood tests came out negative for Ebola. Mukpo had received blood transfusions from fellow Ebola survivor Kent Brantly, who also contracted the disease while in West Africa.
“Recovering from Ebola is a truly humbling feeling … Too many are not as fortunate and lucky as I've been. I'm very happy to be alive,” Mukpo said, according to the hospital.
Mukpo had also received an experimental drug during treatment. Brincidofovir, made by Chimerix, has yet to be tested on animals, but shows success in other lab studies. He shared his thanks on Twitter.
“Just got my results. 3 consecutive days negative. Ebola free and feeling so blessed. I fought and won, with lots of help. Amazing feeling,” he tweeted earlier on Tuesday.
“The knowledge that there's no more virus in my blood is a profound relief. I'm so lucky. Wish everyone who got sick could feel this.”
The two Texan nurses who were diagnosed with Ebola are still battling the disease, but have been making progress. According to the National Institutes of Health, Nina Pham was diagnosed as being in good condition on Tuesday.
“Still thinking about those nurses. Look forward to the day you two get news like this too...” Mukpo wrote on regarding the nurses.
“I don't regret going to Liberia to cover the crisis. That country was a second home to me and I had to help raise the alarm,” he wrote.
