A US citizen currently working for a humanitarian organization in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has tested positive for the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, according to a statement released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday. The CDC is actively collaborating with the patient’s employer, various federal agencies, and local partners within the DRC to identify high-risk contacts and implement measures to prevent further transmission of the virus. No additional information regarding the patient has been disclosed at this time.
The latest report comes as government data released late Friday indicates that the total number of confirmed Ebola cases in the DRC has climbed to 1,830, with 648 associated deaths. This development follows previous instances of international workers contracting the virus during the ongoing outbreak. In May, the international charity Serge reported that an American missionary physician, Dr. Peter Stafford, tested positive after showing symptoms consistent with the virus. Dr. Stafford, who was living in the DRC with his family since 2021, was eventually evacuated to Berlin, Germany, for quarantine and medical treatment. He later described his recovery process as a difficult period marked by high fever and severe physical weakness.
Dr. Stafford’s wife, Dr. Rebekah Stafford, and their four children—all under the age of seven—were closely monitored for signs of the virus following his diagnosis. Reflecting on the ordeal, Rebekah Stafford noted the challenges of explaining the situation to their children, who had to be kept away from their father during his illness. Despite their ordeal, she said their children are “doing really well.” Additionally, last month, a separate humanitarian worker became the first person to test positive for Ebola outside of Africa during this outbreak after returning home to France from a mission in the DRC. Scan the QR code to download the CNN app from the Apple Store.
No other details have been released about the patient. CNN has reached out to the CDC and the State Department for comment.
Rebekah Stafford recalled feeling overwhelmed as she watched global efforts mobilize to help her husband, also aware that their Congolese friends wouldn’t receive the same level of care.
