Peter Stafford, an American medical missionary, returned to the United States on June 6 after recovering from Ebola, which he contracted while working in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Stafford tested positive for the virus while treating patients in Ituri province before the outbreak was officially recognized. He was later evacuated to Germany for treatment at Charite University Hospital.
In a statement, Stafford expressed gratitude for his recovery and the support he received, stating, "I am feeling well and thankful to be reunited with Rebekah and the kids." He was one of three missionaries from the organization Serge who were in the region when the outbreak was confirmed. Prior to his diagnosis, Stafford had operated on a patient who was later believed to have died from Ebola.
Stafford's health deteriorated rapidly after his diagnosis, and he was critically ill upon evacuation. His wife, who was also potentially exposed to the virus, and their children were transported with him but remained asymptomatic. By June 6, Stafford tested negative for Ebola and was released from the hospital.
The Trump administration reportedly denied allowing Stafford to return to the U.S. during his illness, a claim that was denied by Washington. The current outbreak in Congo is the 17th of its kind, with health authorities confirming 808 cases and 192 deaths as of June 15. The last major Ebola epidemic occurred between 2014 and 2016, affecting nearly 28,000 people globally.