An American physician who became infected with Ebola during a humanitarian assignment in Congo has now returned to the United States, saying he is doing well after recovering from the life-threatening illness.
Dr. Peter Stafford arrived back in the U.S. on Monday with his wife, Rebekah Stafford, and their four children, according to Serge, a Christian missions organization based in Pennsylvania. The group said Stafford has been free of Ebola since May 30.
“I am filled with gratitude to God for preserving my life, to all those who prayed on my behalf, and to the many medical providers who cared for me,” Stafford said in a statement. “I am feeling well and thankful to be reunited with Rebekah and the kids. Our prayers continue for those in Congo who are facing this devastating epidemic and for the ongoing efforts to control the disease.”
Serge also said that other missionaries and family members who had been serving in Congo alongside Stafford have completed treatment and monitoring and have since returned to the United States.
Stafford was serving with the missionary organization in Congo when he contracted the virus last month. He was flown to a hospital in Berlin for treatment on May 20 and was later discharged on June 6, Serge said. His wife, who is also a doctor volunteering with the group, and their four children were evacuated as well and placed under quarantine.
During that quarantine period, neither Rebekah Stafford nor any of the couple’s four children showed symptoms of Ebola, according to Charité hospital.
Charité | Pia Nitz
While quarantined, neither Rebekah nor the four children ever developed symptoms of Ebola, according to Charité hospital.
The Bundibugyo ebolavirus outbreak in Congo, which has spread to neighboring Uganda, is causing serious concern among health officials. The Bundibugyo strain is significantly less common than the Zaire strain of the virus and has no vaccines or treatment.
There have been 782 confirmed cases and 178 confirmed deaths in Congo as of Saturday, and 19 confirmed cases and two confirmed deaths in Uganda as of Sunday, according to the countries’ respective health ministries.
