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American who contracted Ebola in DR Congo evacuated for treatment

May 19, 2026

An American medical missionary doctor, Peter Stafford, contracted Ebola while treating patients at a hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo and is being evacuated to Germany for treatment. The outbreak in eastern DR Congo has claimed at least 131 lives with over 513 suspected cases, prompting the World Health Organization to declare an international emergency. US health authorities have implemented travel restrictions barring foreign nationals who recently visited affected countries from entering the United States, though officials emphasize the risk to Americans remains low.

Who is affected

  • Dr. Peter Stafford (American doctor infected with Ebola)
  • Dr. Rebekah Stafford and another exposed doctor from Serge (under quarantine protocols)
  • The Staffords' four young children
  • At least six other Americans exposed to the virus
  • At least 131 people who have died in DR Congo
  • More than 513 suspected Ebola cases in DR Congo
  • Foreign travelers who visited affected countries (DR Congo, Uganda, South Sudan)
  • Communities in DR Congo's eastern Ituri province

What action is being taken

  • Dr. Peter Stafford is being evacuated to Germany for treatment
  • The CDC is working to evacuate at least six other exposed Americans
  • Dr. Rebekah Stafford and another doctor are following quarantine protocols
  • The CDC has issued an order blocking foreign travelers who visited affected countries in the past 21 days from entering the US
  • The CDC is sending staff from Atlanta to the outbreak epicenter to help with the response
  • The Staffords are undergoing risk monitoring and receiving specialized medical care

Why it matters

  • This outbreak is significant because it involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there are no approved drugs or vaccines, making treatment options limited. The WHO has declared it an international emergency and warned it could potentially be much larger than currently detected, with significant risk of local and regional spread. The situation recalls the devastating 2014-16 West African outbreak that infected over 28,600 people and killed more than 11,000, demonstrating Ebola's potential for widespread international impact when not contained quickly.

What's next

  • Dr. Peter Stafford will receive treatment in Germany
  • At least six other exposed Americans will be evacuated
  • CDC staff will deploy to the outbreak epicenter to assist with response efforts
  • The Staffords and their children will continue risk monitoring and medical care protocols

Read full article from source: BBC