An American who contracted Ebola while in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where a rare strain has claimed over 130 lives, is showing signs of recovery. Meanwhile, tests confirm that his wife and four children are clear of the virus, according to updates from the Berlin hospital currently treating the family.
“Despite the patient’s stable condition, the unpredictable nature of the illness necessitates vigilant monitoring and ongoing medical attention,” stated Charite university hospital in an official release.
“He is receiving care within the secure confines of our specialized high-security isolation area,” the statement added.
The rest of the family, who remain symptom-free, are isolated in a different section of the facility. Initial PCR tests have shown no signs of the Ebola virus among them.
Identified by the Serge Christian mission organization, Dr. Peter Stafford, a medical missionary, contracted the virus while providing medical care in the DRC, where his family was also residing.
The White House explained that Stafford and his family were relocated to Germany due to its closer proximity to the DRC compared to the United States, effectively reducing travel time by 12 hours.
Charite said in its statement that the patient room had been made as child-friendly as possible, adding that the children were able to see their father “through a glass partition, and family members can communicate via an intercom.”
