A deadly and unidentified illness has rapidly spread through western Congo, leading to at least 53 deaths, including children, within just hours of the initial symptoms. Health officials have reported that the illness can result in death within 48 hours, raising alarm among medical experts and the World Health Organization (WHO). The outbreak has resulted in over 500 infections, prompting immediate investigations to determine the cause, especially after children reportedly consumed a bat. Current tests have ruled out Ebola and Marburg virus as potential causes, leaving the medical community increasingly concerned about the severity and rapidity of this outbreak.