Newborn dies of Ebola at Congo orphanage; six other infants suspected infected
Two babies have died from Ebola at a church-run orphanage in Bunia, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, with six other infants initially suspected of infection. Children account for approximately 17% of confirmed cases in the current outbreak, which has infected nearly 600 people and killed at least 115. The deaths underscore heightened risks for vulnerable children in conflict-affected areas with high malnutrition and limited vaccination coverage.
Baby Buswaza died from Ebola within two weeks of arriving at a Bunia orphanage after her mother's death in late May, followed by the death of another orphan triplet girl named "Cherie" on Wednesday. Six other infants at the 69-child orphanage were identified as suspected cases and transferred to the Evangelical Medical Centre; five tested negative and were discharged, while one confirmed case deteriorated. Three caregivers, including a nun, also tested positive for Ebola. The outbreak has infected nearly 600 people and killed at least 115 across Congo, with children representing about 17% of confirmed cases according to UNICEF preliminary data. Health officials warn that children may face increased risk of severe outcomes due to pre-existing conditions including malnutrition (52.1% chronic rate among under-fives in Ituri) and patchy vaccination coverage in this conflict-affected region.
How coverage differed
The Independent's headline emphasizes "two babies" dying and frames the story as "devastating" and "heartbreaking," using more emotionally charged language than The Straits Times, which presents the facts more neutrally. The Independent also leads with the second death as a confirmed fact, while The Straits Times reports it as deteriorating condition at the time of reporting, reflecting different reporting timelines or editorial choices.
What different sources said
- The Straits TimesCenter
Newborn at Congo orphanage dies of Ebola, highlighting risks faced by children
- The IndependentLeft
Two babies from Congo orphanage die of Ebola as outbreak death toll climbs
Related
Multi-Cancer Blood Test Galleri Fails Primary Trial Endpoint
A major clinical trial of Galleri, a blood test designed to detect multiple cancers early, failed to meet its primary goal of reducing late-stage cancer diagnoses when results were announced in February. Multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests aim to improve survival rates by identifying disease at earlier, more treatable stages. The failure raises questions about the effectiveness of this promising diagnostic approach despite initial scientific enthusiasm.
Study Uses CPAP Data to Measure Social Jet Lag in Sleep Apnea Patients
Researchers analyzed CPAP adherence records from nearly 3,000 obstructive sleep apnea patients to measure social jet lag—the circadian misalignment between work and free days. About 16-21% of patients showed moderate to severe social jet lag, with prevalence highest in younger and middle-aged adults and declining after age 65. The findings suggest CPAP devices could routinely screen for circadian misalignment, potentially identifying patients who need additional behavioral or activity-based interventions.
FDA Updates Alli Label to Warn of Rare but Potentially Fatal Kidney Problems
The FDA has approved updated labeling for Alli, an over-the-counter weight loss pill, to warn of rare risks including acute kidney injury, kidney stones, and oxalate nephropathy. The agency now instructs people with kidney disease history to consult a doctor before use and directs all users to stop taking the drug if they experience symptoms like back pain, blood in urine, or leg swelling. This warning is significant because Alli is the only OTC weight loss medication available in the U.S., and approximately 40 million people have used orlistat (Alli's generic form) since its approval in 1999.