The story soon develops into a media frenzy. Radio personality Helena Reid arrives on the scene. Oliva and the other children leave in order to save the quints from infections. After Americans take the lead in providing for the quints, the Ontario government finally starts to provide some assistance. Oliva signs a deal to have the quints displayed at the Chicago World’s Fair, and he is attacked for this by Helena Reid. The Canadian government moves to take the children. They all develop high fevers, but they recover under the care of Dr. Dafoe. The Ontario government declares the quints wards of the state, naming Dr. Dafoe as their guardian.