Eight Children Were Hospitalized After Mysterious Seizure-Like Symptoms During Church Concert

Eight members of a visiting French youth choir were hospitalized Tuesday night in Cambridge, Massachusetts, after suddenly developing seizure-like symptoms during a performance at St. Paul’s Church, as reported by The New York Post.

The children, aged 11 to 13, are part of the Chœur d’Enfants d’Île-de-France, a well-known youth choir from Paris currently touring the United States.

According to Cambridge Fire Chief Thomas Cahill, the incident began when one of the children became ill during the performance, reportedly reacting to an unidentified smell and struggling to breathe.

Eight children were hospitalized Tuesday evening in Cambridge, Massachusetts, after exhibiting seizure-like symptoms during a choir concert held at St. Paul’s Parish. According… https://t.co/Gk6s43m627

— Newser (@Newser) July 23, 2025

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The symptoms quickly spread to other children in the group. First responders were initially called for what appeared to be a routine medical issue, but the situation escalated, prompting the transport of eight children to a local hospital.

“This was somewhat unusual,” Cahill told WCVB.

“It was a routine medical call that quickly escalated into transporting eight children to the hospital. Not common.”

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Images from the scene showed emergency crews assisting the children, including firefighters carrying some out of the church. A hazardous materials team was dispatched to assess the building.

According to authorities, no abnormal chemical readings or odors were detected during the sweep, and the building was ventilated as a precaution.

“As of now, we are not sure of what caused the reaction,” Cahill stated. The cause of the children’s symptoms remains under investigation.

Officials said approximately 70 others were in attendance at the concert, and none reported experiencing similar symptoms. No further injuries were reported.

The Chœur d’Enfants d’Île-de-France, founded in 1970, is recognized internationally and has performed under prominent conductors across the globe. Tuesday’s concert, hosted by St. Paul’s Church, was a free public event featuring a mix of sacred and secular French music.

The church had promoted the concert on social media prior to the incident, describing the performance as part of the choir’s U.S. tour.

As of Wednesday morning, the children were reported to be in stable condition. No further details regarding their health status or the exact source of the symptoms had been released by hospital officials.

Authorities continue to investigate all possible causes, including environmental factors, chemical exposure, or a medical event unrelated to the venue.

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