Full Breakdown
American Doctor Returns to U.S. After Recovering from Ebola Contracted in Congo
6/16/2026, 11:50:23 PM
Dr. Peter Stafford Returns Home After Ebola Treatment
American medical missionary Dr. Peter Stafford, his wife Dr. Rebekah Stafford, and their four children arrived in the United States on Monday. The family was evacuated from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after Dr. Stafford tested positive for Ebola. He received intensive care at Charité University Hospital in Berlin, was declared Ebola-free on May 30, and was discharged on June 6 before returning home.
Background: Bundibugyo Ebola Outbreak in DRC and Uganda
The outbreak, confirmed by the DRC health ministry on May 15, involves the rare Bundibugyo strain, for which no vaccine or specific treatment exists. It is the 17th Ebola outbreak recorded in the DRC. Cases have spread from Ituri province into neighboring Uganda, where travel-linked infections have been recorded.
Timeline of Illness and Evacuation
- Mid-May 2024 – Dr. Stafford contracts Ebola in Ituri.
- May 20 – Evacuated to Berlin, admitted to Charité.
- May 30 – Declared Ebola-free.
- June 6 – Discharged and family moved to quarantine area.
- June 10 – Arrived safely in the United States.
Outbreak Data & Statistics
- DRC: 808 confirmed cases, 192 deaths (official briefing) and 782 cases, 178 deaths (alternative source).
- Uganda: 19 cases, 2 deaths, all travel-linked.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The DRC case and death totals differ between reports, reflecting gaps in data collection. The Bundibugyo strain lacks an approved vaccine or specific treatment, limiting response options.
Official Statements & Responses
Dr. Stafford thanked medical staff and prayed for those still battling the epidemic in Congo. Matt Allison, executive director of Serge, expressed sorrow for Congolese colleagues and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to medical support. DRC Health Minister Roger Kamba briefed the press on the latest national case counts.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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.” — Dr. Peter Stafford
- “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.” — Dr. Peter Stafford
- “Our hearts remain deeply saddened for our Congolese friends and colleagues and those impacted by this outbreak,” — Matt Allison, Executive Director, Serge
- “Thank you to those who have prayed and given sacrificially to this work. Also, we would like to express our immense gratitude to the many international organizations, governments, and partners who cared for the Stafford family and brought them home safely.” — Matt Allison, Executive Director, Serge
What’s Next
U.S. health authorities will keep regular contact with Dr. Stafford for post-recovery monitoring. Serge plans to resume missionary deployments once the DRC outbreak stabilizes, while international agencies continue surveillance and contact-tracing in both the DRC and Uganda.
