Sacra Speaks As Another American Contracts Ebola
New York (CBS) -- Holden Dr. Rick Sacra is showing support for the latest American infected with Ebola and is talking about his own recovery from the deadly virus in a new interview.
"When I got my medical records a week ago, and really started looking through them, I was like, 'Wow. I was right on the edge,'" Sacra said in a CBS News interview. "I'm just now beginning to feel like I can start exercising, start building up my stamina."
On Thursday, New York health officials announced that a doctor who recently returned to the United States from West Africa had contracted Ebola. Doctors Without Borders volunteer Craig Spencer, 33, was working in Guinea, where he most likely contracted the virus. He arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport on October 17, but did not start showing symptoms of Ebola until Thursday.
Sacra also contracted Ebola while volunteering in West Africa. He was cured of the disease earlier this month and plans to go back to Liberia next year to continue his medical work there.
"Survivors are now working in some of the units as counselors and helpers," he said. "Some of them are coming in and providing that human touch."
Spencer was self-monitoring for Ebola symptoms after his return home and began feeling fatigue on Wednesday, but it was Thursday morning while taking his temperature that he noticed a fever, officials said. EMTs in full protective gear transported Spencer by ambulance to Bellvue Hospital, one of eight facilities in New York equipped to properly treat Ebola. Spencer was placed in isolation.
"He was very alert to signs and symptoms," New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett said.
Officials are now trying to track Spencer's moves since his return to New York. They know he took the subway and went bowling with friends as recently as Wednesday. His apartment was sealed off as a precaution.
Mayor Bill de Blasio told New Yorkers not to panic.
"Ebola is hard to contract," he said. "Riding on the subway car or living near someone doesn't put someone at risk."
Spencer's fiancé and two other friends who all had close contact with spender are now in quarantine, being monitored for symptoms.
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