UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- An ongoing deadly Ebola outbreak in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has particularly affected children, the UN's children agency (UNICEF) said Friday, calling for special care for them.
The outbreak in North Kivu province was declared on Aug. 1 and UNICEF reported that so far, two children have died, while six others, who either are infected by the disease or suspected to be, are receiving treatment at two centers in the region, according to UN News.
Meanwhile, more than 50 youngsters have lost their parents to Ebola.
"The children affected by the ongoing epidemic need special attention and care," said Gianfranco Rotigliano, UNICEF representative in the DRC, adding "Women are the primary caregivers for children, so if they are infected with the disease, there is a greater risk that children and families become vulnerable."
UNICEF and partners have trained nearly 90 psychosocial workers to assist and comfort children in Ebola treatment centers.
These professionals also support children who have been discharged, but who may be at risk of stigmatization within their communities. They also organize awareness-raising activities to facilitate their return.
Ebola is a severe illness with a fatality rate of up to 90 percent, according to the World Health Organization. Most cases occur through contact with the blood or bodily fluids of people infected by the disease, but Ebola can also be contracted through contact with infected animals. Family members and health workers are among those most at risk.
Overall, there have been 78 confirmed or probable cases of Ebola in North Kivu, with 44 deaths. Another 24 suspected cases are awaiting laboratory confirmation.
