In Congo, the Ebola virus now infects newborns, according to the UN | Health

In an update released this week, the US health agency reported 36 new confirmed Ebola cases, including seven newborns and infants under 2 years of age. Six cases have been reported in children aged 2 to 17 and one in a pregnant woman.

Although the Ebola virus usually infects adults and they are more likely to be exposed to the deadly virus, children are known in some cases to catch the disease when they act as caregivers.

Few cases of Ebola in babies have been reported, but experts believe that transmission could take place through breast milk or close contact with infected parents. The Ebola virus is usually transmitted by infected body fluids. The WHO noted that health centers have been identified as a source of Ebola virus transmission, with drug injections being "a notable cause".

WHO has described the current epidemic in Congo as "complex and complex". The Congo Ministry of Health said that 346 cases have been confirmed, including 175 deaths, in what has become the worst Ebola outbreak in the country's history.

The epidemic is plagued by security problems, health workers were attacked by rebels in districts where the virus was spreading. Earlier this month, Ebola containment operations were halted following the deaths of seven US peacekeepers and 12 Congolese soldiers, but all activities have resumed.

The increasing number of cases of children and health workers – 39 health workers have been infected nowadays – suggests that epidemics have big problems to stop the virus in health clinics and convince people to seek help when they develop symptoms. This is the first time that part of the Congo is facing an Ebola outbreak.

The WHO said the risk of spread of the epidemic in neighboring countries remains "very high", but it does not recommend any travel restrictions. Uganda began this month to vaccinate Ebola health workers in a high-traffic border district close to the outbreak.