Two Orphaned Babies Die of Ebola in DR Congo

Two babies at a church-run orphanage in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have died from Ebola, highlighting the growing impact of the outbreak on young children in affected communities.

The infants were among children being cared for at an orphanage in Bunia, the capital of Ituri Province and the epicentre of the current outbreak. According to caregivers, one of the babies, Buswaza, was brought to the facility after her mother died in late May. Staff later noticed she had developed a fever before she succumbed to the disease.

Following the deaths, health officials identified six other babies at the orphanage as suspected Ebola cases and placed them under close monitoring. Medical teams have since intensified screening, testing and contact-tracing efforts at the facility to prevent further transmission.

According to United Nations officials, children account for nearly one-fifth of confirmed Ebola cases in the current outbreak. Aid agencies have also raised concerns that widespread malnutrition in some communities could increase children’s vulnerability to severe illness.

The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, has continued to spread across parts of Ituri Province despite ongoing vaccination campaigns and public health interventions. Health workers remain engaged in surveillance activities while treatment centres continue to receive new patients.

The authorities have not confirmed whether any of the six suspected cases at the orphanage have tested positive for Ebola.

SOURCE: Reuters