U.S. Doctor Fights Ebola in Congo, Feels Cautiously Optimistic About Recovery

American doctor Peter Stafford, who was infected with Ebola while working for a medical missionary organization in Africa’s Democratic Republic of Congo, has expressed cautious optimism as he battles the deadly virus. He was evacuated to Berlin, Germany, for treatment after being exposed during surgery at Nyankunde Hospital in Bunia.

Stafford’s wife and four children were also evacuated to Germany where they are currently asymptomatic and under observation. The Bundibugyo ebolavirus outbreak has reportedly affected nearly 600 individuals, including 139 suspected deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

This is only the third known outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain. There is no vaccine or treatment for it, but symptoms include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache and sore throat, progressing to vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, rash, organ dysfunction and rarely, internal or external bleeding. The fatality rate is approximately 30 to 50%.

Dr. Scott Myhre, Serge’s director for East and Central Africa, described Stafford as “critically ill but not acutely deteriorating.” His condition has improved, with symptoms including vomiting, rash and diarrhea subsiding. Medical labs are showing positive trends, and he has received treatments designed to improve Ebola outcomes.

Matt Allison, Serge’s executive director, stated that Stafford is doing well considering his illness. He remains under observation at the hospital where staff briefly allowed him to see his family through a window.

A third Serge doctor, Dr. Patrick LaRochelle, who was potentially exposed in a DRC hospital, is currently in quarantine at Bulovka Hospital in Prague and remains asymptomatic. The State Department has imposed travel restrictions for U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents returning from Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan who were present in these countries within three weeks of entering the U.S.