American Doctor Tests Positive for Ebola in Congo Outbreak

An American doctor working in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has tested positive for Ebola amid the ongoing outbreak affecting the region, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and a medical missionary group announced Monday. Dr. Peter Stafford, affiliated with the aid organization Serge, contracted the Bundibugyo ebolavirus variant while treating patients at Nyankunde Hospital in Bunia, Congo, where he has worked since 2023.

Dr. Stafford developed symptoms over the weekend and tested positive late Sunday. He is being transferred to Germany for treatment, according to Dr. Satish Pillai, the CDC’s Ebola response incident manager. Alongside Dr. Stafford, six other Americans are being moved to Germany for treatment or observation as part of the response effort.

The Bundibugyo virus causes a rare form of Ebola for which there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment. The CDC is coordinating closely with the U.S. Department of State to manage the transfer and care of the infected individual and other high-risk contacts.

“CDC has been working hand in hand with the Department of State to move the American for treatment and care to Germany and other high-risk contacts to Germany for monitoring,” Pillai said during a press briefing Monday. He also emphasized that the risk to the United States remains low and advised travelers to the affected region to avoid contact with sick individuals, report symptoms immediately, and follow travel guidance.

The missionary group Serge confirmed that Dr. Stafford’s wife, also a doctor with the organization, and another physician remain asymptomatic. All three medical professionals have adhered strictly to quarantine protocols since the potential exposure.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern on Saturday. The outbreak has resulted in more than 330 suspected cases and at least 88 suspected deaths, primarily in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with additional cases reported in neighboring Uganda. The WHO reported over 250 suspected cases and 80 suspected deaths as of Sunday.

In response to the outbreak, the CDC announced restrictions on entry into the United States for non-U.S. passport holders who have traveled to Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, or South Sudan within the past 21 days.

This situation remains fluid, with health authorities continuing to monitor and respond to the outbreak.