Second U.S. Citizen Infected in Congo's Fastest-Growing Ebola Outbreak

A U.S. citizen working for the humanitarian group Samaritan’s Purse in the Democratic Republic of Congo has tested positive for the Bundibugyo Ebola virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the case and is assisting with contact tracing.

The patient, whose identity was not released, has been in isolation at an Ebola treatment center in Ituri since last week. This is the second American infected during the current outbreak.

The outbreak is now the fastest-growing ever recorded in Africa. The Africa CDC reports over 1,800 confirmed cases in Congo, with 648 deaths. Cases have also spread to Uganda.

The first American patient, medical missionary Dr. Peter Stafford, was evacuated to a specialized hospital in Berlin in May. He has since recovered and returned to the United States.

Containment efforts are hampered by conflict, attacks on health facilities, and funding shortfalls. Clinical trials for treatments began this month as researchers work to combat the virus.