Released Ebola nurse Amber Vinson: 'I am so thankful'

Amber Vinson, a Dallas nurse who became infected with Ebola after caring for Thomas Eric Duncan, was released on Tuesday afternoon from Emory University Hospital in Atlanta after being declared Ebola-free.

The hospital announced that Ebola was no longer present in Vinson's blood as of last week, but she was given supportive care until her release. Emory has successfully treated three other Ebola patients, as well.

"As a nurse, and now as someone who knows what it's like to be cared for in a life-threatening illness, I am so thankful," Vinson told reporters. "While this is a day for celebration and gratitude, I ask that we not lose focus on the thousands of families who continue to labor under the burden of this disease in West Africa," she said.

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Vinson thanked Dr. Kent Brantly and Nancy Writebol, fellow Ebola survivors who were also treated at Emory, for donating blood plasma to her as well as to other Ebola patients.