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American doctor previously infected with Ebola in DRC returns to US

Serge, an international Christian missions organization, has confirmed that American medical missionary Dr. Peter Stafford, his wife, Dr. Rebekah Stafford, and their four children have arrived safely in the United States. (Courtesy of Serge)

(NEW YORK) — The American doctor who contracted Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has returned to the United States.

Dr. Peter Stafford; his wife, Dr. Rebekah Stafford; and their four children arrived safely on Monday, according to Serge, the international Christian missionary group that employs the couple.

“I am filled with gratitude to God for preserving my life, to all those who prayed on my behalf, and to the many medical providers who cared for me. I am feeling well and thankful to be reunited with Rebekah and the kids,” Peter Stafford said in a statement. “Our prayers continue for those in Congo who are facing this devastating epidemic and for the ongoing efforts to control the disease.”

Peter Stafford tested positive while working with patients in the DRC and was evacuated to Germany to receive specialty care. He was hospitalized at Charité University Hospital in Berlin.

Rebekah Stafford and their four children were also evacuated to Germany and moved into a separate space at the hospital as high-risk contacts.

The family was discharged from the hospital earlier this month and Peter Stafford has remained Ebola free since May 30, according to Serge. U.S. health authorities are in regular contact with Peter Stafford, Serge said.

“Our hearts remain deeply saddened for our Congolese friends and colleagues and those impacted by this outbreak,” Matt Allison, executive director of Serge, said in a statement. “Our mission is more critical than ever as we mobilize medical support and resources to partners in the area.”

Allison continued, “Thank you to those who have prayed and given sacrificially to this work. Also, we would like to express our immense gratitude to the many international organizations, governments, and partners who cared for the Stafford family and brought them home safely.”

The outbreak was first detected in the DRC’s northeastern province of Ituri, with cases officially confirmed by the health ministry on May 15. It marks the 17th outbreak of Ebola virus disease in the DRC, which is Africa’s second-largest country and its fourth-most populous nation.

Congo’s Health Minister Roger Kamba said during a press briefing on Monday evening that the DRC has now recorded 808 confirmed Ebola cases and 192 deaths. In neighboring Uganda, at least 19 cases — mostly linked to travel — and two deaths have been confirmed, according to the Ugandan health ministry.

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Turnover of Senate-confirmed officials in Trump’s second term outpaces all 21st century administrations

(CNN) — More Senate-confirmed officials have left President Donald Trump’s second administration in its first 18 months than they have during the same period in other 21st century administrations, according to a nonpartisan organization’s review of the turnover published Wednesday.The review from Partnership for Public Service, a group that focuses on improving the federal government, found that as of Monday, 27 Senate-confirmed officials in Cabinet departments have departed the administration — a figure that outpaces the 11 departures in the first 18 months of Trump’s first administration, which was known for its turnover.The departures impacted 13 departments and included three Cabinet secretaries: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Attorney General Pam Bondi and Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer. Other high-profile officials that have left include Secretary of the Navy John Phelan and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Susan Monarez.The review also found that the administration is slow to fill the vacancies with Trump sending fewer nominations to the Senate than even his first term. It does not include US attorneys, US marshals or ambassadors who have left or nominations for those positions.“Turnover on this scale does not just thin the government’s leadership ranks—it concentrates power in the president,” Chris Piper of the Partnership for Public Service wrote in a blog post. “Left unaddressed, more of the government will be led by officials installed without the Senate’s constitutionally required advice and consent, and it will be less able to do the work Americans depend on.”White House spokesperson Olivia Wales said in a statement to CNN, “President Trump has the most talented Cabinet in American history who work every day to implement his common sense, America First agenda. In just over one year, the President and his Cabinet have made our country greater than ever before with the most secure border in history, the largest middle-class tax cut ever, and the lowest murder rate since 1900. The President and his entire administration will continue to tirelessly implement the Trump agenda and achieve tremendous results for the American people.”While every president has appointed officials in “acting” capacity, which temporarily avoids the Senate confirmation process, Trump has done so more frequently and openly, CNN has previously reported.During his first term, Trump said, “Acting gives you much greater flexibility. A lot easier to do things.”The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2026 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.
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