The Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has claimed the lives of two infants at a church-run orphanage, highlighting the heightened risks the disease poses to young children and their caregivers.
Caregivers soon noticed the infant had a fever, and she died days later. Medical officials subsequently confirmed that Ebola was the cause of her illness.
Following her death, six additional babies at the orphanage were identified as suspected Ebola cases and transferred to a local treatment facility.
Health workers later determined that five of the infants did not have the virus and discharged them from isolation.
However, another child, a triplet girl affectionately called “Cherie,” tested positive and later died, according to doctors overseeing treatment efforts.
The close care required by young children can also increase the risk of transmission to family members and caregivers.
Health officials said three caregivers connected to the orphanage, including a nun, have also tested positive for Ebola.
The outbreak continues to challenge medical teams in Ituri province, which remains at the center of the current health crisis.
Related Tweet:
Two babies from Congo orphanage die of Ebola, highlighting risk to children https://t.co/Z4Qzwi2D2a
— The Straits Times (@straits_times) June 10, 2026
After her mother died in late May, baby Buswaza was brought to a church-run orphanage in eastern Congo where the nuns quickly discovered the newborn was running a fever. Within days, she died from what they later found out was Ebola. https://t.co/YewFF5dyIu
— Reuters Africa (@ReutersAfrica) June 10, 2026
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TIPP Staff
TIPP Staff
