DistantNews
Support us
US surgeon cured of Ebola discharged from German hospital
🇯🇲 Jamaica /Health & Science

US surgeon cured of Ebola discharged from German hospital

From Jamaica Observer · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Outcome reported
  • A US man infected with Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo has recovered and been discharged from a German hospital.
  • The surgeon, who contracted the virus while treating patients in the DRC, received experimental therapies during his 17-day hospital stay.
  • The case highlights the disparity in medical care access between developed nations and regions affected by outbreaks like the one in eastern DRC.

A 39-year-old American surgeon, identified as Dr. Peter Stafford, has been discharged from Berlin's Charite hospital after successfully recovering from Ebola. Stafford contracted the virus while working for the Christian missionary group Serge in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he treated an Ebola patient before the outbreak was officially declared.

words cannot adequately express my gratitude

— Dr Peter StaffordThe recovered surgeon expressed his thanks to the hospital and staff for his treatment.

During his 17-day hospital stay, Stafford received care that included "experimental therapies currently being trialed for this type of virus," according to a hospital statement. He expressed profound gratitude for the treatment but noted the stark difference in medical access, stating, "our thoughts remain with the people in the Congo who do not have access to such care."

The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, prevalent in the current epidemic, lacks approved vaccines or treatments. The World Health Organization has declared an international public health emergency over the outbreak, which has infected 471 people and caused 84 deaths in the DRC and neighboring Uganda, according to a Friday overview. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned the epidemic could become the largest on record.

our thoughts remain with the people in the Congo who do not have access to such care

— Dr Peter StaffordThe surgeon highlighted the disparity in medical resources between Germany and the DRC.

Stafford's wife, also a doctor, and their five children had been in quarantine as high-risk contacts but were also cleared and discharged in good health. The hospital confirmed that no virus had been detected in Stafford's system since May 30, marking a successful recovery from the potentially deadly hemorrhagic fever.

Following a final examination, the patient and his family were discharged from Charite’s medical care today (Saturday) in good health

— Charite hospitalThe hospital announced the successful recovery and discharge of the American patient and his family.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jamaica Observer in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog