American Doctor Treated for Ebola and Family Return to U.S. as DRC Reports 192 Deaths

Dr. Peter Stafford, his wife Dr. Rebekah Stafford, and their four children arrived safely in the United States on Monday after medical care in Germany, according to Serge, the international Christian missionary group that employs the couple.

Dr. Peter Stafford tested positive for Ebola while treating patients in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He was evacuated to Germany and hospitalized at Charité University Hospital in Berlin. Dr. Rebekah Stafford and the four children were also evacuated and placed in a separate space at the same hospital as high-risk contacts.

The family was discharged from the hospital earlier this month. Dr. Peter Stafford has remained Ebola-free since May 30, Serge said. S. health authorities remain in regular contact with him. "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.

I am feeling well and thankful to be reunited with Rebekah and the kids," Dr. " Matt Allison, executive director of Serge, said the organization’s hearts remain deeply saddened for Congolese friends, colleagues, and others impacted by the outbreak.

"Our mission is more critical than ever as we mobilize medical support and resources to partners in the area," Allison said. He added thanks to those who prayed and gave to the work, and expressed gratitude to international organizations, governments, and partners that cared for the family and brought them home safely. The outbreak was first detected in the DRC’s northeastern province of Ituri.

Cases were officially confirmed by the DRC health ministry on May 15. This marks the 17th Ebola outbreak in the DRC. Congo’s Health Minister Roger Kamba said during a press briefing on Monday evening that the country has recorded 808 confirmed cases and 192 deaths.