The New York City doctor who contracted Ebola after treating patients in West Africa has been released from the hospital after being declared Ebola-free. Dr. Craig Spencer was the city’s first and only known Ebola case. In a news conference upon his release, Spencer said his early detection proves the effectiveness of existing safety protocols. He also urged support for public health workers volunteering in West Africa.

Dr. Craig Spencer: “My early detection, reporting and now recovery from Ebola speaks to the effectiveness of the protocols that are in place for health staff returning from West Africa. I am a living example of how those protocols work and of how early detection is critical to both surviving Ebola and ensuring that it is not transmitted to others. Please join me in turning our attention back to West Africa and ensuring that medical volunteers and other aid workers do not face stigma and threats upon their return home. Volunteers need to be supported to help fight this outbreak at its source.”

Spencer was diagnosed last month after having taken the subway and visiting a bowling alley, sparking initial alarm. With his recovery, there are now no known cases of Ebola inside the United States. Meanwhile, nurses across the country are holding rallies and strikes today to protest what they call the inadequate protection of health workers treating patients hospitalized over Ebola. National Nurses United says hospitals still lack proper equipment and protocols weeks after a pair of nurses contracted the disease at a Dallas hospital.