CDC confirms second US citizen tests positive for Ebola in the DRC
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A US citizen working in the Democratic Republic of Congo tested positive for Ebola this week, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said, as the virus continues to spread in Central Africa.
The unidentified American, who works for a humanitarian organization, became the second US citizen to test positive for Ebola amid the current outbreak.
Dr. Peter Stafford made a full recovery after being evacuated from Congo to Germany in May during the first week of the outbreak.
EBOLA TREATMENT CENTER IN CONGO WAS SET ON FIRE AFTER RESIDENTS Clashed With AUTHORITIES OVER THE VICTIM’S BODY
FILE – A healthcare worker prepares a patient’s blood sample for testing at Bunia General Hospital in Bunia, Congo, on June 11. (Moses Sawasawa/AP Photo, File)
“CDC is aware that a U.S. citizen working for a humanitarian organization in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has tested positive. Bundibugyo virusThe CDC called the second case “a form of Ebola” in a statement on Friday.
“CDC is working with the patient’s institution, other U.S. federal agencies, public health officials, and partners in the Democratic Republic of Congo to help prevent further transmission by supporting contact tracing and performing risk assessments to identify high-risk contacts,” the agency added.
Stafford returned to the United States last month after testing negative for the virus.
“I am filled with gratitude to God for preserving my life, to everyone who prayed on my behalf, and to the many healthcare providers who cared for me,” he said in a statement. “I feel well and am grateful to be reunited with Rebekah and the children. Our prayers continue for those facing this devastating epidemic in the Congo and for the ongoing efforts to control the disease.”
A health worker stands at the Evangelical Medical Center in Bunia in eastern Congo, where Ebola clinical trials are planned. (Dirole Lotsima Dieudonne/AP Photo)
OFFICIALS, THE PLANE GOING TO DETROIT WAS DIVERTED TO CANADA AFTER PASSENGERS COMING FROM THE EBOLA-HIT AREA REACHED THE PLANE ‘ERRONGLY’
This is the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak ever recorded in Africa, with 1,830 confirmed cases in Congo, including 648 deaths, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cases have also been reported in Uganda.
There is no approved vaccine or treatment for Bundibugyo virus.
A French doctor tested positive for the virus after returning to Paris last month, and no cases were detected in the United States.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said that the risk of a global epidemic of the virus, which spreads through body fluids rather than air, remains low.
Health care workers interact at the Evangelical Medical Center in Bunia in eastern Congo, where Ebola clinical trials are scheduled to take place. (Dirole Lotsima Dieudonne/AP Photo)
Congolese authorities declared an Ebola epidemic on May 15.
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The United States increased security measures after the outbreak was declared, including enhanced health screenings for citizens returning from the region and restricting entry of non-US citizens to the region.
