The WHO Africa office said the quick progression from sickness to death in Boloko is a key concern, along with the high number of deaths in Bomate. Congo’s Ministry of Health said about 80% of the patients share similar symptoms including fever, chills, body aches and diarrhea.

More than 50 people have died in two clusters of unknown illnesses in northwest Democratic Republic of Congo, global health authorities said.

The interval between the onset of symptoms and death has been 48 hours in the majority of cases. A medical official says that’s really worrying.