A mysterious viral disease has emerged in parts of western Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in recent weeks, resulting in at least 53 deaths, officials say.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), clinicians are particularly concerned about the short period between the onset of what appear to be symptoms of a “haemorrhagic fever” and death – around just 48 hours – prompting fears that there could be a high number of deaths if the outbreak continues.

This is the latest viral epidemic to hit the East African region in the past year, following outbreaks of Marburg and mpox diseases among others.

The DRC, in particular, is susceptible to epidemics because of its tropical climate, in which pathogens thrive, as well as its dense forests which expose people to wildlife likely to carry diseases. Many viral diseases in the country, and elsewhere, have also been linked to consumption of the meat of wild animals.