A fast-spreading mystery illness linked to bats has killed 60 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with nearly half dying within 48 hours, the WHO reported.

The disease, causing hemorrhagic fever symptoms, has infected over 1,000 people, with outbreaks in Équateur Province.

Scientists suspect a new virus, as Ebola and Marburg have been ruled out.

The outbreak worsens Congo’s healthcare crisis, already strained by Mpox, malaria, and rebel conflicts, the Wall Street Journal has reported.

The WHO warns the unidentified illness poses a major public health threat.

Written by B.C. Begley