Ebola patient Dr. Kent Brantly thanked God at an Emory University Hospital press conference in Atlanta, GA., for "sparing his life."

The 33-year-old American missionary, who contracted the virus after moving to Liberia in West Africa, was released following the Thursday morning conference.

At the conference, Dr. Brantly stated: "Through the care of the Samaritan's Purse and SIM missionary team in Liberia, the use of an experimental drug, and the expertise and resources of the health care team at Emory University Hospital, God saved my life - a direct answer to thousands and thousands of prayers."

Both Brantly and fellow American missionary Nancy Writebol, 59, were flown from Liberia to Emory's special containment unit earlier this month after contracting the virus.

Dr. Bruce Ribner, director of Emory's infectious-disease unit, was present at the Atlanta hospital's press conference and stressed that the patients were not contagious.

"After a rigorous course of treatment and testing," Dr. Ribner said. "The Emory Healthcare team has determined that both patients have recovered from the Ebola virus."

Though there is no cure for the virus, the two were treated with an experimental drug called Zmapp.

Brantly said at the conference that when he and his family first moved to Liberia two years ago "Ebola was not on the radar." 

Brantly stated: "On July 23, I woke up feeling under the weather, then my life took an unexpected turn as I was diagnosed with the Ebola Virus disease... 

"...I cannot thank you enough for your prayers and your support, but what I can tell you is that I serve a God who answers prayers.

"God saved my life, a direct answer to thousands and thousands of prayers."

This year's Ebola outbreak in West Africa has been hailed as the worst since the virus first appeared in 1976. As many as 90 percent of those diagnosed with the virus have died, according to World Health Organization.