American missionary doctor tests positive for Ebola in DR Congo

An international Christian missions organisation has confirmed that one of its medical missionaries has tested positive for the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), amid a growing outbreak in Ituri Province.

Serge said Dr Peter Stafford contracted the virus while treating patients at Nyankunde Hospital near Bunia, where he has served since 2023, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

According to the organisation, Dr Stafford underwent testing under the supervision of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention in collaboration with the World Health Organisation after developing symptoms consistent with Ebola.

Dr Stafford was among three Serge medical missionaries working in the affected region when the outbreak emerged. The other two doctors — his wife, Dr Rebekah Stafford, and Dr Patrick LaRochelle — have not shown symptoms and have remained under strict quarantine protocols following their potential exposure.

Serge said international partners were working to ensure the safe care and monitoring of the affected medical team and their families, including the Staffords’ four young children.

The new case follows a joint statement issued on 15 May by the Africa CDC and the DRC Ministry of Health confirming a new Ebola outbreak in Ituri Province.

Authorities have so far recorded 390 suspected infections and 100 deaths. The outbreak’s epicentre is in Mongwalu, roughly 25 miles north of Bunia, where the Serge medical team is based.

The organisation appealed for urgent prayer and support for affected families, healthcare workers and local communities impacted by the outbreak. It also requested privacy for the families involved and asked the public not to contact them directly or circulate photographs of their children.

Further updates, Serge said, would be released as more official information becomes available.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov