8 children taken to hospitals after seizure-like symptoms at Harvard Square church concert
Written by Site Hub on July 23, 2025
Eight children attending a French youth choir concert at St. Paul’s Parish in Harvard Square experienced seizure-like symptoms on July 23, 2025. Emergency responders were alerted after one child displayed symptoms; soon after, seven more were affected. The Cambridge Fire Department’s hazmat team determined the likely cause was fumes from cleaning supplies used earlier in the building. The symptoms were non-life-threatening, and all affected children, aged in their preteens and early teens, were released from local hospitals the next day. Approximately 70 other attendees were not impacted. Air quality tests came back negative for hazardous materials, and the church was ventilated. The Chœur d’Enfants d’Île-de-France was performing as part of its U.S. tour. The incident underscores safety concerns around chemical exposure in public spaces, particularly during large indoor gatherings. The church and Harvard Catholic Center have yet to issue formal statements.
Source: AP News
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