Dr. Peter Stafford, the medical missionary who contracted Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo in May, has arrived safely in the United States. 

His wife, Dr. Rebekah Stafford, and their four children made the trip home as well.

Serge, an international Christian missions organization headquartered in Jenkintown, confirmed the news on Monday. Dr. Stafford, a board-certified general surgeon with a specialization in burn care, works for Serge and was serving patients in Bunia where an Ebola outbreak was identified.

After being diagnosed with Ebola, his “condition initially declined rapidly,” a Serge announcement states. “The morning of Peter’s evacuation, when he could not stand on his own, a Congolese doctor in full protective equipment placed his hand on Peter to stabilize him.”

According to their announcement, Dr. Stafford has remained Ebola-free since May 30 and was released from Berlin’s Charité University Hospital in Germany on June 6. 

According to the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 800 cases and 192 deaths have been confirmed since the start of the outbreak

“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,” Dr. Stafford said. “I am feeling well and thankful to be reunited with Rebekah and the kids. Our prayers continue for those in Congo who are facing this devastating epidemic and for the ongoing efforts to control the disease.” 

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Photos: Serge via Charité | Pia Nitz