Who Is Peter Stafford? American Positive for Ebola as Deadly Outbreak Grows
An American medical missionary working in the Democratic Republic of Congo has tested positive for Ebola as health officials race to contain a growing outbreak that has already spread beyond the country's borders.
Dr. Peter Stafford, a physician serving in eastern Congo with the Christian medical nonprofit Serge, contracted the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola while treating patients at Nyankunde Hospital near the city of Bunia, according to a press statement issued by the organization.
The outbreak has raised alarm internationally, prompting the World Health Organization to declare a public health emergency and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to impose temporary travel restrictions on some travelers from affected regions. At least 80 people have died thus far, and cases have been confirmed in DRC, where the outbreak first emerged, as well as in Uganda.
Who Is Peter Stafford?
Stafford and his wife, Dr. Rebekah Stafford, are American missionary doctors affiliated with Serge, a Pennsylvania-based Christian missions organization focused on medical and humanitarian work overseas. According to Serge's website, the couple moved to Africa in 2019 and has been serving in Nyankunde, Congo, in partnership with local medical providers.
The organization says its medical teams work alongside Congolese healthcare workers to provide treatment and train local doctors in one of the region's most underserved and conflict-affected areas.
Reuters reported that Stafford became infected while caring for Ebola patients during the latest outbreak. His wife and another missionary doctor, Patrick LaRochelle, were also exposed to the virus but have not shown symptoms and remain in quarantine.
The Staffords' four children are reportedly being monitored while the family prepares for evacuation to Germany, where U.S. officials plan to transfer exposed Americans for isolation and treatment.
Ebola Outbreak Expands
The latest Ebola outbreak has centered in Congo's eastern Ituri Province, where health authorities suspect dozens of deaths linked to the virus in recent weeks. Uganda has also confirmed cases, increasing fears of broader regional spread.
The Bundibugyo strain involved in the outbreak is less common than the Zaire strain associated with several previous Ebola epidemics. There are currently no fully approved vaccines specifically targeting the Bundibugyo variant, according to reports.
On Monday, the CDC announced a temporary 30-day suspension on entry for certain noncitizen travelers who have recently been in Congo, Uganda or South Sudan. The agency stressed that the immediate risk to the American public remains "low," but said additional screening and monitoring measures are now being implemented
This is a developing story and will be updated with additional information.
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This story was originally published May 18, 2026 at 1:40 PM.