An Ebola isolation ward was burned to the ground in Bunia, Democratic Republic of Congo, after a furious crowd stormed a hospital demanding the body of a suspected Ebola victim. The violence erupted Thursday when several hundred people gathered at the hospital gates in Ituri Province, throwing stones and breaching security after staff refused to hand over the corpse.

The outbreak involves the extremely rare Bundibugyo Ebola species, which has no vaccine or approved therapies. Health experts say the outbreak was detected disastrously late—perhaps two months after the first infection—giving the virus time to spread undetected. The disease has struck an often-ignored corner of eastern Congo where decades of conflict have left residents deeply suspicious of outsiders.

The crowd sought the body of Elie Munungo, 28, a popular local football player and motorcycle taxi driver who died five days after being admitted for what his family initially thought was malaria. Hospital director Dr. Isaac Mugenyi said community members believed medics were poisoning patients. "This situation is very, very tough," he said. Five suspected Ebola patients fled the burning ward and have not returned.

The WHO estimates the outbreak has already killed 177 people and infected 750 more—a toll expected to rise sharply. Hand sanitizer has run out across Bunia, and face masks are selling for up to 10 times their normal price.