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Influencer Dies After Rare Disease Battle
4 Apr
Summary
- Influencer Rita Ephrem died at 31 after a rare, unnamed auto-inflammatory disease.
- She documented her extensive hospital stays and struggles with 322,000 followers.
- Ephrem faced numerous health crises including strokes and cardiac arrests.
Content creator Rita Ephrem, aged 31, passed away on March 26, 2026, following an arduous struggle with an extremely rare auto-inflammatory condition. Ephrem, who had garnered a substantial following of over 322,000 on Instagram, bravely documented her diagnosis and frequent hospitalizations, inspiring many with her resilience.
Born in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, to Lebanese parents, Ephrem moved back to Brazil at 25, around the time her severe symptoms began. These included recurrent fevers, joint pain, and gastrointestinal issues. Doctors eventually identified her ultra-rare condition, which also included common variable immunodeficiency, necessitating constant medical care.
Her health journey was marked by severe complications, including at least seven strokes, dozens of blood clots, recurrent meningitis, and multiple intubations and cardiac arrests. These left her with motor and respiratory impairments, requiring oxygen support and limiting her mobility. Weeks before her death, her family shared that she was in critical condition due to an unidentified infection.
Following the announcement of her death, fellow influencers paid heartfelt tributes, remembering her spirit and the light she brought to others. Rita Ephrem was laid to rest in São Paulo on March 31, 2026.
