EBOLA DEATHS AT CONGO ORPHANAGE HIGHLIGHT RISKS FOR CHILDREN

The deaths of two babies from Ebola at an orphanage in the Democratic Republic of Congo have drawn attention to the serious dangers the disease poses to children during the country's latest outbreak.

One of the babies, a newborn girl called Buswaza, was taken to a church-run orphanage in the city of Bunia after her mother died in late May. The nuns caring for her quickly noticed that she had a fever. Within a few days, the baby died. Medical tests later confirmed that she had been infected with Ebola.

Kids Are At a Greater Risk

Following her death, health workers identified six other babies at the orphanage as possible Ebola cases. They were taken to the hospital for testing. Fortunately, five of them tested negative and were later discharged. However, another baby, a young orphaned triplet known as Cherie, was confirmed to have Ebola and died shortly afterwards.

Also Read: Ebola Outbreak Concerns: What Makes the Virus Different From COVID-19?

The orphanage is home to 69 children and is located in Ituri province, the centre of the current Ebola outbreak. Health workers now visit the orphanage every day to monitor both the children and the staff.

Ebola spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person. Babies and young children can be especially vulnerable because they need close care and contact from adults. Three carers from the orphanage, including a nun, have also tested positive for the virus.

Health experts believe Buswaza may have been infected before birth, during childbirth, or through breastfeeding. The World Health Organization has said that the Ebola virus can be found in amniotic fluid, the placenta, and breast milk.

Also Read: WHO Calls For Careful Testing Of Ebola Vaccines During New Outbreak

Ebola Outbreak in Congo

The outbreak in Congo has already infected nearly 600 people and caused at least 115 deaths. Children account for around 17 per cent of confirmed cases. Although they represent a smaller share of total infections than adults, young children may face a higher risk of severe illness and death.

Aid organisations are particularly worried because many children in the affected region already suffer from poor health. Malnutrition is widespread, and vaccination rates are low in some communities. Years of armed conflict have also left many families struggling to access healthcare and other basic services.

Humanitarian groups say the outbreak is placing even greater pressure on a region that was already facing major challenges. The orphanage provides an important refuge for children who have lost their families due to conflict and disease.