American Doctor in Germany After Ebola Infection

An American doctor has been transferred to a hospital in Germany for treatment after contracting Ebola while on a mission trip in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Dr. Peter Stafford, currently at Berlin’s Charité University Hospital, is reportedly feeling better and is in stable condition.

His colleague, Matt Allison, who is the executive director of the Christian mission group Serge, mentioned in a recent interview that Stafford has regained the ability to eat, which is a positive sign. Stafford, age 39, tested positive for the virus during his time in Congo. Allison noted that his symptoms have improved since he arrived in Germany and that he has been in touch with colleagues via email.

“He needed help walking. He was very weak and feeling down… just grappling with a lot of thoughts,” Allison shared. “The loneliness and anxiety were difficult for him. So, I’m really glad to hear he’s responding well now.”

In a press release, Serge confirmed that all employees who might have been exposed to the Bundibugyo Ebola virus have been safely evacuated. Dr. Scott Maile, Serge’s Regional Director for East and Central Africa, expressed gratitude to everyone involved in Stafford’s treatment.

“Thanks to a coordinated effort by various agencies and health authorities, Peter was transported safely. We’re thankful for everyone’s dedication and pray for those fighting this outbreak in the DRC,” Maile remarked.

Mr. Stafford, a board-certified surgeon specializing in burn treatment, was aiding patients in Nyankunde, Ituri, when he fell ill. His wife, Dr. Rebecca Stafford, and their four children were evacuated alongside another physician, Dr. Patrick LaRochelle, who is currently under monitoring but asymptomatic.

The couple, who met at The Ohio State University School of Medicine and married in 2013, moved to Africa in 2019 to partake in a program with Samaritan’s Purse. They joined Serge in 2021.

On Thursday, Stafford expressed his relief in a conversation, stating, “Before we were evacuated, we had concerns about getting out safely. Now, we are feeling cautiously optimistic.”

Maile mentioned that Stafford experienced the typical symptoms associated with Ebola and had already received two intravenous treatments aimed at improving his recovery.

Stafford is allowed to see his family through a window, which has provided some comfort. He mentioned, “After seeing each other, we finally managed to get a decent night’s sleep for the first time in a while.”

As of now, LaRochelle continues to show no symptoms after being moved to Brovka Hospital in Prague. The group is asking for prayers for the Stafford family, LaRochelle, and two other colleagues in Congo who tested positive for Ebola, while also creating a site for donations to support the Stafford family’s recovery.

The ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has led to approximately 139 suspected deaths and nearly 600 suspected cases, according to a recent update from the World Health Organization.

“We’re anticipating that the numbers will keep rising, considering how long the virus was spreading before it was detected,” WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

This week, the Trump administration announced that the Stafford family is being extradited to Germany as the situation continues to be monitored.