Friday 5 September 2014

Gibraltar to play first competitive international


GIBRALTAR is preparing to play against Poland this Sunday in its first ever competitive football match: but the road to Euro 2016 qualification will be far from plain sailing.


Football fans on the Rock have had a turbulent but exciting year. In May, UEFA’s president Michel Platini paid a visit to the peninsula to officially endorse Gibraltar as UEFA’s newest member.


Since entering international football, they have seen their first goal in Roy Chipolina’s strike during the eventual 4-1 defeat against the Faroe Islands; and their first victory thanks to Kyle Casciaro’s goal against Malta earlier this summer.


It has been a long journey to get to where Gibraltar’s football is today. Not even the proudest Gibraltareño could deny that Spain has somewhat outshone its small neighbour in terms of recent success in football, but according to Gibraltar, there’s nothing political in their desire to join international football.


Simply put, they just want to play football, and they have been trying to do so since a campaign to go international was launched in 1999.


To a backdrop of political disputes between the British and Spanish governments, border queues and tobacco smuggling, Gibraltar’s FA have worked tirelessly for the right to play alongside the greats on the international stage.


Despite resistance from Spain, Gibraltar was formally accepted into the fold in May 2013.


The news has not been met with universal acclaim. Perhaps rather predictably, Javier Tebas, president of the Spanish football league, suggested that UEFA may enjoy watching football in Gibraltar more when it is returned to Spain.


Spanish bitterness at Gibraltar’s inclusion within the football community continues to manifest itself: as the new Europa Point stadium has yet to be finished, Sunday’s game is to be held in Portugal’s Estádio Algarve. The Spanish Football Federation has refused to host any of Gibraltar’s matches.


Although qualifying may seem like one dream too many, Euro 2016’s Group D does promise to provide an entertaining ride for football fans in Gibraltar. With a bit of luck, many may fancy their chances against Georgia, and you never know what could happen against Scotland either.


Sunday’s match against Poland will prove difficult, as will the fixture against the Republic of Ireland, but everyone’s attention has surely been drawn to current world champion’s Germany, who will host Gibraltar in Nuremburg on November 14.


Whatever the future success of the team, you can be sure that the players are taking the journey just one step at a time: enjoying just playing football.


Gibraltar vs Poland kicks off Sunday September 7 in Portugal, at 8.45pm local time.



Police look for missing teen


NATIONAL POLICE have launched an investigation to find the whereabouts of a missing teen.


Guardia Civil and National Police officers in Velez-Malaga are looking into the disappearance of a 15-year-old teen who allegedly went missing on Wednesday. Monica Mendes reportedly told her parents she was going to visit a friend and has not been seen since.


Her parents went to the police on Wednesday night to report her as missing. Monica, they said, had no documents, no phone or money at the time of her disappearance. She was wearing denim shorts and a light blue strap top.


It appears the mother of the missing teen got a message on her cell phone on Thursday saying she was fine and was never coming back. Her parents think she may have run away with her 25-year-old boyfriend, but not willingly.


Those who may have information regarding her current whereabouts are asked to call 091 or 062.



Fear aboard Malaga flight


PASSENGERS were left stranded on a plane in Malaga airport amid security fears centring around a fellow traveller.


The Jet2 flight between Malaga and Manchester airport was delayed by two hours after the suspicious actions of one passenger resulted in widespread panic on board.


Spanish police officers led a male passenger off the plane in handcuffs after he was seen acting strangely, taking photographs of the cabin and the crew as well as posing for ‘selfies.’


An hour later, however, the man was permitted to travel: much to the fright and consternation of fellow passengers.


A witness to the incident spoke to the Manchester Evening News whilst on board the flight. The witness, who did not wish to be named, said: “We have been sitting here for almost two hours.


“A man was taking selfies with his phone and then police came on board and took him off in cuffs.


“That was about an hour ago but he’s been let back on.


“People are crying because they don’t want to travel with this man, even though apparently he’s been checked out by the Home Office and they say he’s fine.


“Some people have walked off the flight and even the air hostesses are crying.


“They have been lovely but the pilot hasn’t done anything to help.


“Jet2 have handled it really badly.”


The plane, minus several passengers who flat out refused to fly, finally touched down in Manchester at around 3.45pm on Wednesday September 4: two hours behind schedule.


A spokesperson for Jet2.com said: “A number of our passengers chose not to travel on today’s Malaga to Manchester flight because they weren’t happy travelling with a fellow passenger, despite that person clearing all required security checks.”



Bucket list in search of gripe water


MANAGING DIRECTOR, Michel Euesden of the Euro Weekly News Media Group has been tweeting with a lady residing in the United States of America. Tweet followers and similar interests brought the tweeting ladies together where they have struck up an online friendship.


Having begun speaking with each other it became apparent and more discussed between them that Kelli, known via her screen tag as @daisygirl72, has a whole load of stuff going on in her life right now. Whilst socialising, studying, being a mother and much, much, more Michel learnt that Kelli is living with brain cancer and currently working on her bucket list.


Those who are unsure of what a bucket list is, it comes from the phrase ‘Kick the bucket’ which is considered slang for dying.


So imagine preparing a list, a list of what you the individual want to do before passing over; to complete your list and to be able to sit back and be able to say to yourself that you have achieved everything that you wanted to achieve in life before passing over. Wow! That is a hell of a thing to face head-on, to deal with mentally, to deal with daily and to do with for the very reason why you as the individual originally made your bucket list.


So dealing with brain cancer, the meds that follow, dealing with family, friends, everyday life activity and then to author your own bucket list, then work your way through it, surely that’s enough for anyone to deal with. What we do not do, unless being in that very position, is give thought to everyday thoughts and feelings of how the body is coping, how the body is reacting, and how with everything the individual feels as a matter of course.


Michel saw a tweet only days ago from Kelli, it read ‘High humidity makes my stomach all ‘janky’. A response from Michel read ‘Hi babes – don’t know what it’s called in the States but the English version is called Gripe water, have you tried it? Getting you girl’. Kelli had not heard of Gripe water so we put a tweet out via the Euro Weekly News Media Group for readers to read, to respond and help Kelli find something that may help ease the janky feeling.


Did the cyber world read the tweets? There were no responses and I wonder why, is it because nobody knows what Gripe water is, or perhaps because people do not know how to initially approach or deal with surreal life matters such as terminal illness, preparing for the inevitable, or if there is enough time to complete a bucket list or be part of helping another complete a bucket list.


Only listening to Michel’s explanation, it became more than apparent that to write this article would bring to the forefront of readers’ minds that a little communication and interaction may in a small way, or in bigger ways, reach out and help others. Those others may genuinely need contact, be it in person or through cyber channels. Why? To help Kelli deal with the blatantly obvious, brain cancer, and to ease the janky feeling so she can get on with her bucket list.


‘GRIPE WATER is given to infants with colic, gastrointestinal discomfort, teething pain, reflux and other stomach ailments. Its ingredients vary, and may include alcohol, a bicarbonate, ginger, dill, fennel and chamomile. Adults may also take gripe water for soothing intestinal pains, gas or other stomach ailments. There is no clinical evidence for the effectiveness of gripe water’.


So, with the definition of gripe water above, let us reach out again to our cyber readers. Where in the USA can gripe water be purchased, what is it called, who stocks it and who manufactures it. Your comments and advice are all welcomed, and please think, a few minutes of your time may help us to help another, Kelli, for who knows if that ‘janky’ feeling is a one off or an effect of the brain cancer.



Flies do what space sex geckos can't




"So you're telling me all I have to do is get on a satellite with four female geckos and I can have all the sex I want? I accept."






  • Russia's space agency sent five geckos into space to observe reproduction in zero gravity

  • That's right ... space sex geckos

  • For several days, mission control lost contact with the satellite

  • If you want to know what happened to the geckos you actually need to read the story




Editor's note: Each week in "Apparently This Matters," CNN's Jarrett Bellini applies his warped sensibilities to trending topics in social media and random items of interest on the Web.


(CNN) -- Since the beginning of time, man has looked up into the cosmos at those shiny, twinkling stars and thought, "I wonder if lizards would do each other up there?"


So, finally, after all these years, and for the sake of humanity, Russian scientists decided to find out once and for all.


Because Russia.


Really, it was that or another inconclusive nesting doll experiment. And, somehow, stacking little wooden Gorbachevs doesn't quite have the same pizazz as closely monitoring outer-space lizard whoopee.


Thus, the world recently got introduced to Russia's brave "Space Sex Geckos."




\

"Apparently This Matters" Is Jarrett Bellini's weekly (and somewhat random) look at social-media trends.



The idea was this: Roscosmos (Russia's federal space agency) would send five of these little critters into orbit on board a Foton-M4 satellite to study sexual reproduction in zero gravity. Four geckos would be female. One would be male. And, for the sake of the experiment, hopefully straight.


"I don't know about that guy, Vlad. He's always watching 'Antiques Roadshow.' "


Assuming that they properly picked out a willing male gecko with a healthy libido, good looks and/or an impressive bank account, their hope was that the quintet of lizards would get into space and then violate each other in the most orderly way possible.




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"How much room is there on board for whipped cream? Because I have lots of whipped cream."



Fortunately, they were Russian. So, I'm pretty sure the lizards already knew how to queue.


And if that wasn't weird enough, there would also be cameras on board so that scientists back on land could observe the space coitus. Yes, grown professionals, many with fancy degrees, were literally going to have to sit around and watch live lizard porn.


So, they had that going for them.


After choosing the lucky participants, on July 19th Roscosmos launched their (possibly fur-lined) satellite into space for what they hoped would be two full months of this bizarre Gecko Rumspringa.


But soon, after just several orbits, things went bad. Mission control lost contact with the satellite.


"Come in, space sex geckos. Come in. Moan once with desire if you can hear me."




But, seriously, who knew the lizards wouldn\'t survive inside of this thing?

But, seriously, who knew the lizards wouldn't survive inside of this thing?



Days later they were able to reestablish contact. However, it was unclear if the life-support system continued to function during the blackout. If not, it was unlikely that the geckos would survive.


On the plus side, had the geckos somehow become aware of their impending doom, I'm guessing there would've been several rounds of camera-free, super kinky, we're-all-going-to-die lizard sex.


"Hey, ladies! Look who brought whipped cream and tiny handcuffs!"


As the Russian space agency began sharing updates with the public, it quickly became a running joke online. The space sex geckos were suddenly famous to the world.


But probably dead, for their clumsy end was perilously near. Which sort of takes the fun out of being international lizard celebrities.


Nevertheless, they were stars. Even comedian John Oliver, on his HBO show "Last Week Tonight," latched on to the story and started the Twitter hashtag #GoGetThoseGeckos.


However, on Monday, a couple weeks short of its intended stay in space, the satellite came crashing back down to Earth, where the world finally learned the fate of the space sex geckos.


In a statement, Roscosmos later confirmed their worst fear. Something went horribly wrong.


And the lizards ... they have died.



Frozen and mummified from having expired at least a week prior to impact, the tiny remains of the space sex geckos were recovered from a quiet field where the craft landed. Fallen heroes. Possibly aroused.


But it wasn't only death and failure. Because a colony of fruit flies was also put on board for the mission, and they were found healthy and alive in a different chamber of the satellite. And, apparently, they managed to do what the lizards likely couldn't. The nasty.


In fact, at the expense of God-knows-how-many rubles, new generations of offspring were conceived while in orbit. And now -- lucky us -- the world has more fruit flies.


Because Russia.


Follow @JarrettBellini on Twitter. And prepare to be underwhelmed.


See more content with questionable news value at CNN Comedy.



Fall TV: Like this? Watch that






If you only have enough room in your heart (and brain) for a few new TV shows this season, these 18 shows are at the top of our viewing list. Starting with Fox's <strong>"Gotham." </strong>The origin story of Bruce Wayne and his eventual foes could potentially be too childish for an adult audience -- after all, this series captures Gotham City's characters as adolescents; even Jim Gordon (Ben McKenzie) is young-ish here -- but Fox has bet big and it's at least worth a look. (Premieres September 22)If you only have enough room in your heart (and brain) for a few new TV shows this season, these 18 shows are at the top of our viewing list. Starting with Fox's "Gotham." The origin story of Bruce Wayne and his eventual foes could potentially be too childish for an adult audience -- after all, this series captures Gotham City's characters as adolescents; even Jim Gordon (Ben McKenzie) is young-ish here -- but Fox has bet big and it's at least worth a look. (Premieres September 22)

<strong>"Z Nation" (Syfy)</strong> -- It's a race against time in this new zombie apocalypse series about a band of survivors determined to survive a zombie plague. (September 12)"Z Nation" (Syfy) -- It's a race against time in this new zombie apocalypse series about a band of survivors determined to survive a zombie plague. (September 12)

<strong>"Red Band Society" (Fox)</strong> -- Academy Award-winning actress Octavia Spencer helms the cast of this dramedy about a group of young people living in the children's ward of a hospital. (September 17)"Red Band Society" (Fox) -- Academy Award-winning actress Octavia Spencer helms the cast of this dramedy about a group of young people living in the children's ward of a hospital. (September 17)

<strong>"Scorpion" (CBS)</strong> -- Based on the tales of real life IT genius Walter O'Brien, the drama stars Elyes Gabel and Katharine McPhee. (September 22)"Scorpion" (CBS) -- Based on the tales of real life IT genius Walter O'Brien, the drama stars Elyes Gabel and Katharine McPhee. (September 22)

<strong>"Black-ish" (ABC)</strong> -- Anthony Anderson, Tracee Ellis Ross and Laurence Fishburne star in this comedy about an African-American family man battling against too much assimilation in the suburbs. (September 24)"Black-ish" (ABC) -- Anthony Anderson, Tracee Ellis Ross and Laurence Fishburne star in this comedy about an African-American family man battling against too much assimilation in the suburbs. (September 24)

<strong>"How to Get Away With Murder" (ABC)</strong> -- Viola Davis stars as a law professor who works with her students to crack some of her toughest cases. From Shonda Rhimes of "Scandal" fame. (September 25)"How to Get Away With Murder" (ABC) -- Viola Davis stars as a law professor who works with her students to crack some of her toughest cases. From Shonda Rhimes of "Scandal" fame. (September 25)

<strong>"Selfie" (ABC)</strong> -- This season's nominee for show-most-likely-to-be-hate-watched is a comedy that stars Karen Gillan and John Cho in what is being described as a modern-day version of "My Fair Lady." (September 30)"Selfie" (ABC) -- This season's nominee for show-most-likely-to-be-hate-watched is a comedy that stars Karen Gillan and John Cho in what is being described as a modern-day version of "My Fair Lady." (September 30)

<strong>"Stalker" (CBS)</strong> -- The teaser for this thriller is enough to freak fans out. Dylan McDermott and Maggie Q star as detectives with a LAPD squad that tracks stalkers and other obsessed individuals. Expect lots of dark secrets -- and not just from the bad guys. (October 1)"Stalker" (CBS) -- The teaser for this thriller is enough to freak fans out. Dylan McDermott and Maggie Q star as detectives with a LAPD squad that tracks stalkers and other obsessed individuals. Expect lots of dark secrets -- and not just from the bad guys. (October 1)

<strong>"Gracepoint" (Fox)</strong> -- Based on the British series "Broadchurch," Anna Gunn and David Tennant star as a pair of detectives out to solve the murder of a child. (October 2)"Gracepoint" (Fox) -- Based on the British series "Broadchurch," Anna Gunn and David Tennant star as a pair of detectives out to solve the murder of a child. (October 2)

<strong>"A to Z" (NBC)</strong> -- Love is in the air for Ben Feldman and Cristin Milioti, a couple who meet and may -- or may not -- end up together forever. Viewers will watch as their romance unfolds, from beginning to (possible?) end. (October 2) "A to Z" (NBC) -- Love is in the air for Ben Feldman and Cristin Milioti, a couple who meet and may -- or may not -- end up together forever. Viewers will watch as their romance unfolds, from beginning to (possible?) end. (October 2)

<strong>"Bad Judge" (NBC) </strong>-- "Grey's Anatomy" and "Private Practice" star Kate Walsh returns to television in this comedy as Judge Rebecca Wright, who parties as hard as she lays down the law. But then she encounters a troubled boy who's left on his own after she incarcerates both of his parents. (October 2)"Bad Judge" (NBC) -- "Grey's Anatomy" and "Private Practice" star Kate Walsh returns to television in this comedy as Judge Rebecca Wright, who parties as hard as she lays down the law. But then she encounters a troubled boy who's left on his own after she incarcerates both of his parents. (October 2)

<strong>"Survivor's Remorse" (Starz)</strong> -- Cam Calloway (Jessie T. Usher) is a young basketball player who lands a multi-million-dollar contract and must adjust to all that fame and fortune brings. The comedy is sure to be "inside basketball" as it's produced by star baller LeBron James. (October 4)"Survivor's Remorse" (Starz) -- Cam Calloway (Jessie T. Usher) is a young basketball player who lands a multi-million-dollar contract and must adjust to all that fame and fortune brings. The comedy is sure to be "inside basketball" as it's produced by star baller LeBron James. (October 4)

<strong>"The Flash" (CW)</strong> -- This superhero series stars Grant Gustin as Barry Allen, the fastest man on the planet, who is determined to clear his father of crime. (October 7)"The Flash" (CW) -- This superhero series stars Grant Gustin as Barry Allen, the fastest man on the planet, who is determined to clear his father of crime. (October 7)

<strong>"Jane the Virgin" (CW)</strong> -- Gina Rodriguez plays a religious Latina who becomes accidentally inseminated in this dramedy, which is adapted from a Venezuelan telenovela. (October 13)"Jane the Virgin" (CW) -- Gina Rodriguez plays a religious Latina who becomes accidentally inseminated in this dramedy, which is adapted from a Venezuelan telenovela. (October 13)

<strong>"Marry Me" (NBC)</strong> -- Casey Wilson and Ken Marino star as a couple looking for the perfect way to take the matrimonial plunge after a six-year relationship. (October 14)"Marry Me" (NBC) -- Casey Wilson and Ken Marino star as a couple looking for the perfect way to take the matrimonial plunge after a six-year relationship. (October 14)

<strong>"The Affair" (Showtime)</strong> -- The psychological effects of adultery are examined in this drama, which is creating tons of buzz, thanks in part to a strong cast which includes Dominic West, Ruth Wilson, Maura Tierney and Joshua Jackson. (October 19)"The Affair" (Showtime) -- The psychological effects of adultery are examined in this drama, which is creating tons of buzz, thanks in part to a strong cast which includes Dominic West, Ruth Wilson, Maura Tierney and Joshua Jackson. (October 19)

<strong>"Constantine" (NBC) --</strong> The anticipation is burning bright for this adaptation of the "Hellblazer" comic. Matt Ryan stars as the demon hunter John Constantine, an occult master who initially gives up his fight against evil until a series of events pulls him right back in. (Isn't that always the case?) (October 24)"Constantine" (NBC) -- The anticipation is burning bright for this adaptation of the "Hellblazer" comic. Matt Ryan stars as the demon hunter John Constantine, an occult master who initially gives up his fight against evil until a series of events pulls him right back in. (Isn't that always the case?) (October 24)

<strong>"State of Affairs" (NBC) </strong>-- Katherine Heigl stars as a presidential adviser with a troubled past. Alfre Woodard plays the President. (November 17) "State of Affairs" (NBC) -- Katherine Heigl stars as a presidential adviser with a troubled past. Alfre Woodard plays the President. (November 17)








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  • The new fall TV season kicks off this weekend

  • A few of the shows remind us of others

  • One reality show contestant has reportedly already been booted




(CNN) -- With the cooler temperatures comes another eagerly awaited period: Fall TV season.


The new shows start premiering in September and continue debuting through the next few months. (OK, so some of them should be part of "winter TV season.")


Don't know what to watch? We take some of the guesswork out of it for you by offering comparisons between some of the new shows to ones with which you may be familiar.


So grab your popcorn and let's get started:


If you're a "Survivor" fanatic, there is:


"Utopia" (Fox) - Based on a hit Dutch reality show, "Utopia" sets a group of contestants up in the wilderness where they must build their own perfect society. Will there be fights, drama, love and intrigue? That's the hope for this show, which was envisioned as a cross between social experiment and entertainment. So far there has already been a bit of action as reportedly one cast member has already been booted for breaking the rules and using a cell phone. The series begins with a two-hour debut on September 7.


If your heart belongs to "The Walking Dead," take a bite out of:


"Z Nation" (Syfy) - What's better than a zombie show? Why, two, of course. The new Syfy series is about a group of survivors trying to make it after a zombie apocalypse. Sound familiar? It should. The twist with "Z Nation," however, is that the group is trying to protect the one person who may hold the genetic key to ending the zombie plague. Harold Perrineau, best known from the series "Lost," heads up the cast. The show starts on September 12.


If "Big Bang Theory" is your thing, get ready for:


"Scorpion" (CBS) - True, "Scorpion" is a drama, and not a comedy like "Big Bang Theory," but both share storylines about a group of nerds. Based on the tales of real-life genius Walter O'Brien, "Scorpion" is about a bunch of nerds who use their mental power for complex problem solving. Like "BBT" there's also an attractive waitress character (played by Katharine McPhee, last seen in "Smash") thrown into the mix. "Scorpion" premieres on September 22.


If you praise "The Good Wife," keep an eye out for:


"How to Get Away With Murder" (ABC) - As CBS has shown us with "The Good Wife," legal shows don't all have to be procedurals. Viola Davis heads the cast of this new Shonda Rhimes series about a law professor and practicing attorney who enlists some of her students to crack tough cases. Creator Rhimes is known for crafting rapid-fire dialogue and tons of twists and turns in her story lines -- she's the force behind "Scandal" -- so look for this drama to follow suit. The series debuts on September 25.


If you like "The Killing," you may want to tune into:


"Gracepoint" (Fox) - Both shows are remakes of European series ("Gracepoint" is based on the British series "Broadchurch" and "The Killing" is a remake of the Danish show "Forbrydelsen") and center around a murder mystery involving a local child. Early buzz is that Anna Gunn and David Tennant turn in strong performances as the detectives on the case. The show starts on October 2.


If you are into "Arrow," you must check out:


"The Flash" (CW) - It's not just because this new show is a spinoff of "Arrow" that it may attract similar fans. "Arrow" watchers love a good mystery, and while "The Flash" is supposed to be more laid-back than its parent show, it still promises plenty of intrigue and action as Barry Allen (played by Grant Gustin) uses his power as the fastest man on the planet to uncover the truth about the death of his mother. "The Flash" premieres on October 7.


If you are missing "Happy Endings," this might help:


"Marry Me" (NBC) - This one is a bit of a cheat because both sitcoms were created by David Caspe and star his now wife, Casey Wilson. But both are also hilarious. "Marry Me" follows the adventures of Jake and Annie, who after six years of togetherness may, or may not, be taking that next big step. The writing is as sharp and clever as one would expect from a Caspe production, so fingers crossed that it won't meet the same fate as "Happy Endings" -- a beloved show that could never find its ratings footing. The show starts on October 14.


If you are a fan of "Scandal" you may like:


"State of Affairs" (NBC) - Katherine Heigl returns to television as a top aide to the President. We won't spoil it for you, but there are some surprises in everything -- from why Heigl's character, Charleston Tucker, is acting out, to her relationship with the commander in chief. Thrills and chills is all we will say. The series premieres on November 17.



Ebola patient arrives in Nebraska





  • Dr. Rick Sacra has been flown to Nebraska for treatment

  • Sacra was stationed in Liberia when he caught the Ebola virus

  • An aid organization says he will have better access to care in the U.S.

  • Sacra is the third American with the virus to return to U.S. for treatment




(CNN) -- Another American doctor infected with the deadly Ebola virus has arrived home for treatment in the United States.


A plane carrying Dr. Rick Sacra landed Friday morning in Omaha, Nebraska, and he was then was taken to Omaha's Nebraska Medical Center, center spokeswoman Jenny Nowatzke said.





Doctor: Ebola patient is stable




Writebol: How I found out I had Ebola




Doctor speaks about battle with Ebola




CDC: 'Window is closing' to stop Ebola

His doctors in Nebraska said they are treating him with "aggressive supportive care," including fluids and electrolytes, and they are continuing to examine him to make sure nothing else is wrong. The doctors said they are exploring "experimental options," calling on experts throughout the world to see what experimental therapeutics might work best and what treatment is "most promising."


Sacra, the third American with Ebola to return to the United States for treatment, was stationed in Liberia when he was exposed to the virus.


His wife, Debbie Sacra, said he was "clearly sick" but was in "good spirits" and was able to walk onto the plane in Liberia before the flight to Nebraska. "We are really encouraged by that news and are looking forward to reuniting with him," she said.


When Sacra's temperature went up, he sent the president of SIM, the aid organization he works for, an email that read:


"To all of you at SIM, and to my colleagues here in Liberia at ELWA Hospital, I apologize," read a tearful Bruce Johnson, president of SIM USA. He went on to explain that Sacra is a humble man and would be embarrassed by the global media attention. He said Sacra was concerned that the attention on his case would disrupt broader patient care at ELWA Hospital in Liberia.


The email went on to say: "Regarding evacuation: I know and accept that there is no easy solution for an evacuation, so I don't expect one. Jesus is right here with me in Liberia!"


As soon as the physician was symptomatic, he was admitted locally to an Ebola case management center near a hospital in Monrovia where he has served for 15 years.


"Rick was receiving excellent care from our SIM/ELWA staff in Liberia at our Ebola 2 Care Center," Johnson said. "They all love and admire him deeply. However, the Nebraska Medical Center provides advanced monitoring equipment and wider availability of treatment options."


What to know about the killer disease


Sacra, who is from Holden, Massachusetts, was not treating Ebola patients directly. Instead, he was delivering babies at a general hospital in Monrovia, Johnson said.


"I am surrounded by friends and family and the body of Christ, who are a great encouragement and who are praying fervently for Rick's recovery along with me," Debbie Sacra said in a statement. "We are trusting in God to be with Rick and us through this difficult circumstance."


She will be traveling to Nebraska this weekend, Johnson said.


"Rick would want me to urge you to remember that there are many people in Liberia who are suffering in this epidemic and others who are not receiving standard health care because clinics and hospitals have been forced to close. West Africa is on the verge of a humanitarian crisis, and the world needs to respond compassionately and generously."









Medical workers from the Liberian Red Cross carry the body of an Ebola victim Thursday, September 4, in Banjol, Liberia. Health officials say the current Ebola outbreak in West Africa is the deadliest ever. The virus has killed more than 1,900 people there since December, according to the World Health Organization.Medical workers from the Liberian Red Cross carry the body of an Ebola victim Thursday, September 4, in Banjol, Liberia. Health officials say the current Ebola outbreak in West Africa is the deadliest ever. The virus has killed more than 1,900 people there since December, according to the World Health Organization.



Health workers in Monrovia, Liberia, place a corpse into a body bag on September 4.Health workers in Monrovia, Liberia, place a corpse into a body bag on September 4.



A rally against the Ebola virus is held in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, on September 4.A rally against the Ebola virus is held in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, on September 4.



After an Ebola case was confirmed in Senegal, people load cars with household items as they prepare to cross into Guinea from the border town of Diaobe, Senegal, on Wednesday, September 3. Senegal has since closed its borders.After an Ebola case was confirmed in Senegal, people load cars with household items as they prepare to cross into Guinea from the border town of Diaobe, Senegal, on Wednesday, September 3. Senegal has since closed its borders.



Crowds cheer and celebrate in the streets Saturday, August 30, after Liberian authorities reopened the West Point slum in Monrovia. The military had been enforcing a quarantine on West Point, fearing a spread of the Ebola virus.Crowds cheer and celebrate in the streets Saturday, August 30, after Liberian authorities reopened the West Point slum in Monrovia. The military had been enforcing a quarantine on West Point, fearing a spread of the Ebola virus.



A ambulance leaves the University Hospital Fann in Dakar, Senegal, were a man was being treated for symptoms of the Ebola virus on Friday, August 29.A ambulance leaves the University Hospital Fann in Dakar, Senegal, were a man was being treated for symptoms of the Ebola virus on Friday, August 29.



A health worker wearing a protective suit conducts an Ebola prevention drill at the port in Monrovia on August 29. A health worker wearing a protective suit conducts an Ebola prevention drill at the port in Monrovia on August 29.



Senegalese Health Minister Awa Marie Coll-Seck gives a news conference August 29 to confirm the first case of Ebola in Senegal. She announced that a young Guinean had tested positive for the deadly virus.Senegalese Health Minister Awa Marie Coll-Seck gives a news conference August 29 to confirm the first case of Ebola in Senegal. She announced that a young Guinean had tested positive for the deadly virus.



Volunteers working with the bodies of Ebola victims in Kenema, Sierra Leone, sterilize their uniforms on Sunday, August 24. Volunteers working with the bodies of Ebola victims in Kenema, Sierra Leone, sterilize their uniforms on Sunday, August 24.



A Liberian health worker checks people for symptoms of Ebola at a checkpoint near the international airport in Dolo Town, Liberia, on August 24.A Liberian health worker checks people for symptoms of Ebola at a checkpoint near the international airport in Dolo Town, Liberia, on August 24.



A guard stands at a checkpoint Saturday, August 23, between the quarantined cities of Kenema and Kailahun in Sierra Leone.A guard stands at a checkpoint Saturday, August 23, between the quarantined cities of Kenema and Kailahun in Sierra Leone.



A burial team from the Liberian Ministry of Health unloads bodies of Ebola victims onto a funeral pyre at a crematorium in Marshall, Liberia, on Friday, August 22.A burial team from the Liberian Ministry of Health unloads bodies of Ebola victims onto a funeral pyre at a crematorium in Marshall, Liberia, on Friday, August 22.



A humanitarian group worker, right, throws water in a small bag to West Point residents behind the fence of a holding area on August 22. Residents of the quarantined Monrovia slum were waiting for a second consignment of food from the Liberian government.A humanitarian group worker, right, throws water in a small bag to West Point residents behind the fence of a holding area on August 22. Residents of the quarantined Monrovia slum were waiting for a second consignment of food from the Liberian government.



Dr. Kent Brantly leaves Emory University Hospital on Thursday, August 21, after being declared no longer infectious from the Ebola virus. Brantly was one of two American missionaries brought to Emory for treatment of the deadly virus.Dr. Kent Brantly leaves Emory University Hospital on Thursday, August 21, after being declared no longer infectious from the Ebola virus. Brantly was one of two American missionaries brought to Emory for treatment of the deadly virus.



Brantly, right, hugs a member of the Emory University Hospital staff after being released from treatment in Atlanta.Brantly, right, hugs a member of the Emory University Hospital staff after being released from treatment in Atlanta.



Family members of West Point district commissioner Miata Flowers flee the slum in Monrovia while being escorted by the Ebola Task Force on Wednesday, August 20.Family members of West Point district commissioner Miata Flowers flee the slum in Monrovia while being escorted by the Ebola Task Force on Wednesday, August 20.



An Ebola Task Force soldier beats a local resident while enforcing a quarantine on the West Point slum on August 20.An Ebola Task Force soldier beats a local resident while enforcing a quarantine on the West Point slum on August 20.



Local residents gather around a very sick Saah Exco, 10, in a back alley of the West Point slum on Tuesday, August 19. The boy was one of the patients that was pulled out of a holding center for suspected Ebola patients after the facility was overrun and closed by a mob on August 16. A local clinic then refused to treat Saah, according to residents, because of the danger of infection. Although he was never tested for Ebola, Saah's mother and brother died in the holding center.Local residents gather around a very sick Saah Exco, 10, in a back alley of the West Point slum on Tuesday, August 19. The boy was one of the patients that was pulled out of a holding center for suspected Ebola patients after the facility was overrun and closed by a mob on August 16. A local clinic then refused to treat Saah, according to residents, because of the danger of infection. Although he was never tested for Ebola, Saah's mother and brother died in the holding center.



A burial team wearing protective clothing retrieves the body of a 60-year-old Ebola victim from his home near Monrovia on Sunday, August 17. A burial team wearing protective clothing retrieves the body of a 60-year-old Ebola victim from his home near Monrovia on Sunday, August 17.



lija Siafa, 6, stands in the rain with his 10-year-old sister, Josephine, while waiting outside Doctors Without Borders' Ebola treatment center in Monrovia on August 17. The newly built facility will initially have 120 beds, making it the largest-ever facility for Ebola treatment and isolation. lija Siafa, 6, stands in the rain with his 10-year-old sister, Josephine, while waiting outside Doctors Without Borders' Ebola treatment center in Monrovia on August 17. The newly built facility will initially have 120 beds, making it the largest-ever facility for Ebola treatment and isolation.



Brett Adamson, a staff member from Doctors Without Borders, hands out water to sick Liberians hoping to enter the new Ebola treatment center on August 17.Brett Adamson, a staff member from Doctors Without Borders, hands out water to sick Liberians hoping to enter the new Ebola treatment center on August 17.



Workers prepare the new Ebola treatment center on August 17.Workers prepare the new Ebola treatment center on August 17.



A body, reportedly a victim of Ebola, lies on a street corner in Monrovia on Saturday, August 16. A body, reportedly a victim of Ebola, lies on a street corner in Monrovia on Saturday, August 16.



Liberian police depart after firing shots in the air while trying to protect an Ebola burial team in the West Point slum of Monrovia on August 16. A crowd of several hundred local residents reportedly drove away the burial team and their police escort. The mob then forced open an Ebola isolation ward and took patients out, saying the Ebola epidemic is a hoax.Liberian police depart after firing shots in the air while trying to protect an Ebola burial team in the West Point slum of Monrovia on August 16. A crowd of several hundred local residents reportedly drove away the burial team and their police escort. The mob then forced open an Ebola isolation ward and took patients out, saying the Ebola epidemic is a hoax.



A crowd enters the grounds of an Ebola isolation center in the West Point slum on August 16. The mob was reportedly shouting, "No Ebola in West Point."A crowd enters the grounds of an Ebola isolation center in the West Point slum on August 16. The mob was reportedly shouting, "No Ebola in West Point."



A health worker disinfects a corpse after a man died in a classroom being used as an Ebola isolation ward Friday, August 15, in Monrovia.A health worker disinfects a corpse after a man died in a classroom being used as an Ebola isolation ward Friday, August 15, in Monrovia.



A boy tries to prepare his father before they are taken to an Ebola isolation ward August 15 in Monrovia.A boy tries to prepare his father before they are taken to an Ebola isolation ward August 15 in Monrovia.



Kenyan health officials take passengers' temperature as they arrive at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Thursday, August 14, in Nairobi, Kenya.Kenyan health officials take passengers' temperature as they arrive at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Thursday, August 14, in Nairobi, Kenya.



A hearse carries the coffin of Spanish priest Miguel Pajares after he died at a Madrid hospital on Tuesday, August 12. Pajares, 75, contracted Ebola while he was working as a missionary in Liberia.A hearse carries the coffin of Spanish priest Miguel Pajares after he died at a Madrid hospital on Tuesday, August 12. Pajares, 75, contracted Ebola while he was working as a missionary in Liberia.



A member of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads a training session on Ebola infection control Monday, August 11, in Lagos, Nigeria.A member of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads a training session on Ebola infection control Monday, August 11, in Lagos, Nigeria.



Health workers in Kenema, Sierra Leone, screen people for the Ebola virus on Saturday, August 9, before they enter the Kenema Government Hospital.Health workers in Kenema, Sierra Leone, screen people for the Ebola virus on Saturday, August 9, before they enter the Kenema Government Hospital.



A health worker at the Kenema Government Hospital carries equipment used to decontaminate clothing and equipment on August 9.A health worker at the Kenema Government Hospital carries equipment used to decontaminate clothing and equipment on August 9.



Health care workers wear protective gear at the Kenema Government Hospital on August 9.Health care workers wear protective gear at the Kenema Government Hospital on August 9.



Paramedics in protective suits move Pajares, the infected Spanish priest, at Carlos III Hospital in Madrid on Thursday, August 7. He died five days later.Paramedics in protective suits move Pajares, the infected Spanish priest, at Carlos III Hospital in Madrid on Thursday, August 7. He died five days later.



Nurses carry the body of an Ebola victim from a house outside Monrovia on Wednesday, August 6.Nurses carry the body of an Ebola victim from a house outside Monrovia on Wednesday, August 6.



A Nigerian health official wears protective gear August 6 at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.A Nigerian health official wears protective gear August 6 at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.



Officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta sit in on a conference call about Ebola with CDC team members deployed in West Africa on Tuesday, August 5.Officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta sit in on a conference call about Ebola with CDC team members deployed in West Africa on Tuesday, August 5.



Aid worker Nancy Writebol, wearing a protective suit, gets wheeled on a gurney into Emory University Hospital in Atlanta on August 5. A medical plane flew Writebol from Liberia to the United States after she and her colleague Dr. Kent Brantly were infected with the Ebola virus in the West African country. Aid worker Nancy Writebol, wearing a protective suit, gets wheeled on a gurney into Emory University Hospital in Atlanta on August 5. A medical plane flew Writebol from Liberia to the United States after she and her colleague Dr. Kent Brantly were infected with the Ebola virus in the West African country.



Nigerian health officials are on hand to screen passengers at Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Monday, August 4.Nigerian health officials are on hand to screen passengers at Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Monday, August 4.



A man gets sprayed with disinfectant Sunday, August 3, in Monrovia.A man gets sprayed with disinfectant Sunday, August 3, in Monrovia.



Dr. Kent Brantly, right, gets out of an ambulance after arriving at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta on Saturday, August 2. Brantly was infected with the Ebola virus in Africa, but he was brought back to the United States for further treatment.Dr. Kent Brantly, right, gets out of an ambulance after arriving at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta on Saturday, August 2. Brantly was infected with the Ebola virus in Africa, but he was brought back to the United States for further treatment.



Nurses wearing protective clothing are sprayed with disinfectant Friday, August 1, in Monrovia after they prepared the bodies of Ebola victims for burial.Nurses wearing protective clothing are sprayed with disinfectant Friday, August 1, in Monrovia after they prepared the bodies of Ebola victims for burial.



A nurse disinfects the waiting area at the ELWA Hospital in Monrovia on Monday, July 28. A nurse disinfects the waiting area at the ELWA Hospital in Monrovia on Monday, July 28.



Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, right, walks past an Ebola awareness poster in downtown Monrovia as Liberia marked the 167th anniversary of its independence Saturday, July 26. The Liberian government dedicated the anniversary to fighting the deadly disease. Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, right, walks past an Ebola awareness poster in downtown Monrovia as Liberia marked the 167th anniversary of its independence Saturday, July 26. The Liberian government dedicated the anniversary to fighting the deadly disease.



In this photo provided by Samaritan's Purse, Dr. Kent Brantly, left, treats an Ebola patient in Monrovia. On July 26, the North Carolina-based group said Brantly tested positive for the disease. Days later, Brantly arrived in Georgia to be treated at an Atlanta hospital, becoming the first Ebola patient to knowingly be treated in the United States.In this photo provided by Samaritan's Purse, Dr. Kent Brantly, left, treats an Ebola patient in Monrovia. On July 26, the North Carolina-based group said Brantly tested positive for the disease. Days later, Brantly arrived in Georgia to be treated at an Atlanta hospital, becoming the first Ebola patient to knowingly be treated in the United States.



A 10-year-old boy whose mother was killed by the Ebola virus walks with a doctor from the aid organization Samaritan's Purse after being taken out of quarantine Thursday, July 24, in Monrovia.A 10-year-old boy whose mother was killed by the Ebola virus walks with a doctor from the aid organization Samaritan's Purse after being taken out of quarantine Thursday, July 24, in Monrovia.



A doctor puts on protective gear at the treatment center in Kailahun, Sierra Leone, on Sunday, July 20.A doctor puts on protective gear at the treatment center in Kailahun, Sierra Leone, on Sunday, July 20.



Members of Doctors Without Borders adjust tents in the isolation area in Kailahun on July 20.Members of Doctors Without Borders adjust tents in the isolation area in Kailahun on July 20.



Boots dry in the Ebola treatment center in Kailahun on July 20.Boots dry in the Ebola treatment center in Kailahun on July 20.



Red Cross volunteers prepare to enter a house where an Ebola victim died in Pendembu, Sierra Leone, on Friday, July 18.Red Cross volunteers prepare to enter a house where an Ebola victim died in Pendembu, Sierra Leone, on Friday, July 18.



Dr. Jose Rovira of the World Health Organization takes a swab from a suspected Ebola victim in Pendembu on July 18.Dr. Jose Rovira of the World Health Organization takes a swab from a suspected Ebola victim in Pendembu on July 18.



Red Cross volunteers disinfect each other with chlorine after removing the body of an Ebola victim from a house in Pendembu on July 18.Red Cross volunteers disinfect each other with chlorine after removing the body of an Ebola victim from a house in Pendembu on July 18.



A dressing assistant prepares a Doctors Without Borders member before entering an isolation ward Thursday, July 17, in Kailahun.A dressing assistant prepares a Doctors Without Borders member before entering an isolation ward Thursday, July 17, in Kailahun.



A doctor works in the field laboratory at the Ebola treatment center in Kailahun on July 17.A doctor works in the field laboratory at the Ebola treatment center in Kailahun on July 17.



Doctors Without Borders staff prepare to enter the isolation ward at an Ebola treatment center in Kailahun on July 17.Doctors Without Borders staff prepare to enter the isolation ward at an Ebola treatment center in Kailahun on July 17.



A health worker with disinfectant spray walks down a street outside the government hospital in Kenema on Thursday, July 10. A health worker with disinfectant spray walks down a street outside the government hospital in Kenema on Thursday, July 10.



Dr. Mohamed Vandi of the Kenema Government Hospital trains community volunteers who will aim to educate people about Ebola in Sierra Leone.Dr. Mohamed Vandi of the Kenema Government Hospital trains community volunteers who will aim to educate people about Ebola in Sierra Leone.



Police block a road outside Kenema to stop motorists for a body temperature check on Wednesday, July 9.Police block a road outside Kenema to stop motorists for a body temperature check on Wednesday, July 9.



A woman has her temperature taken at a screening checkpoint on the road out of Kenema on July 9.A woman has her temperature taken at a screening checkpoint on the road out of Kenema on July 9.



A member of Doctors Without Borders puts on protective gear at the isolation ward of the Donka Hospital in Conakry, Guinea, on Saturday, June 28.A member of Doctors Without Borders puts on protective gear at the isolation ward of the Donka Hospital in Conakry, Guinea, on Saturday, June 28.



Airport employees check passengers in Conakry before they leave the country on Thursday, April 10.Airport employees check passengers in Conakry before they leave the country on Thursday, April 10.



CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta, left, works in the World Health Organization's mobile lab in Conakry. Gupta traveled to Guinea in April to report on the deadly virus.CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta, left, works in the World Health Organization's mobile lab in Conakry. Gupta traveled to Guinea in April to report on the deadly virus.



A Guinea-Bissau customs official watches arrivals from Conakry on Tuesday, April 8.A Guinea-Bissau customs official watches arrivals from Conakry on Tuesday, April 8.



Egidia Almeida, a nurse in Guinea-Bissau, scans a Guinean citizen coming from Conakry on April 8. Egidia Almeida, a nurse in Guinea-Bissau, scans a Guinean citizen coming from Conakry on April 8.



A scientist separates blood cells from plasma cells to isolate any Ebola RNA and test for the virus Thursday, April 3, at the European Mobile Laboratory in Gueckedou, Guinea.A scientist separates blood cells from plasma cells to isolate any Ebola RNA and test for the virus Thursday, April 3, at the European Mobile Laboratory in Gueckedou, Guinea.



Members of Doctors Without Borders carry a dead body in Gueckedou on Friday, April 1. Members of Doctors Without Borders carry a dead body in Gueckedou on Friday, April 1.



Gloves and boots used by medical personnel dry in the sun April 1 outside a center for Ebola victims in Gueckedou.Gloves and boots used by medical personnel dry in the sun April 1 outside a center for Ebola victims in Gueckedou.



A health specialist works Monday, March 31, in a tent laboratory set up at a Doctors Without Borders facility in southern Guinea.A health specialist works Monday, March 31, in a tent laboratory set up at a Doctors Without Borders facility in southern Guinea.



Health specialists work March 31 at an isolation ward for patients at the facility in southern Guinea.Health specialists work March 31 at an isolation ward for patients at the facility in southern Guinea.



Workers associated with Doctors Without Borders prepare isolation and treatment areas Friday, March 28, in Guinea. Workers associated with Doctors Without Borders prepare isolation and treatment areas Friday, March 28, in Guinea.







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Photos: Ebola outbreak in AfricaPhotos: Ebola outbreak in Africa



Rick Sacra had been to Liberia with SIM before, and volunteered to go again after he heard fellow missionaries Nancy Writebol and Dr. Kent Brantly had contracted the virus, Johnson said. Brantly and Writebol were flown to Atlanta last month for treatment at Emory University Hospital and have since been released.


Human trial of experimental Ebola vaccine begins


Sacra started to show symptoms of hemorrhagic fever on August 29. Health care workers did an Ebola test on him Monday, which came back positive for the deadly virus.


Sacra was following all protocols and taking necessary precautions against Ebola, Johnson said. It is unclear how he became infected, but SIM is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to determine the point of contact.


Doctors in Nebraska said they know they are in for a "long haul" with Sacra's treatment. They are hopeful but believe he could be under treatment for at least two to three weeks.


If he does recover fully, SIM leaders said that Sacra has said he intends to go back to Liberia to continue to help build and strengthen the country's medical infrastructure.


CNN's Jason Hanna and Shawn Nottingham contributed to this report.