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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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Gossip blogger Perez Hilton appeared to harm himself on a livestream. His audience called the police

By CNN
(CNN) — Police responded Tuesday night to the Florida home of Perez Hilton after receiving reports the celebrity gossip blogger appeared to be harming himself on a TikTok livestream.In response to a question about Hilton’s livestream, the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office said they had “received multiple calls regarding an individual who was livestreaming acts of self-harm on social media.”“Deputies quickly located the individual’s residence, where they spoke with family members on scene, and confirmed he was alone inside,” the sheriff’s office said, adding they worked to de-escalate the situation.In the livestream, which was later taken down, Hilton appeared to be engaging in self-harm. Multiple social media users commented, urging him to stop.The sheriff’s office told CNN that the individual was “safely recovered” and transported to a local hospital, where he is receiving medical attention.On Wednesday, a statement went up on Perez Hilton’s website confirming that Hilton was receiving medical care. “Many of you have reached out with concern for Perez, and we are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming outpouring of love, support, and prayers,” the statement read. “We can confirm that Perez is receiving medical care, and our family’s focus right now is on his well-being.” They went on to ask for privacy at the time.The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Crisis Response Unit and licensed mental health professionals provided support and resources to the individual’s family, the sheriff’s office said.“In many incidents involving a person experiencing a mental health crisis or actively harming themselves, deputies prioritize de-escalation by creating time, distance, and opportunities for communication,” the sheriff’s office said. “Unless there is an immediate threat to others, slowing the situation and utilizing crisis intervention techniques can reduce the likelihood of a suicide-by-cop encounter and minimize the risk of injury to the individual, deputies, and the public.”Hilton rose to prominence after launching his gossip blog, as well as a fashion blog, a musical series, and has since become well known as a TV personality.The Cuban-American, legally known as Mario Armando Lavandeira, Jr., made a name for himself by writing about celebrities. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from New York University, where he studied acting, before starting his blog in a coffee shop on Sunset Boulevard back in 2004.Earlier this year, Hilton said he’d suffered a medical scare that left him hospitalized for several weeks. He told his audience in May that he was besieged by hospital bills, despite being insured. In June, he shared that he had recently relocated to Miami from Las Vegas with his children.The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2026 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.
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