An unknown illness killed over 50 people in northwestern Congo, with just 48 hours between symptom onset and death. (AP) Former federal employees said the mass government firings are taking a toll on their mental health.

An unknown illness first discovered in three children who ate a bat has rapidly killed more than 50 people in northwestern Congo over the past five weeks, health experts say.

A rapidly spreading unknown illness has killed 53 people in Congo, with preliminary investigations linking the outbreak to children who ate bat meat in January.