The Ebola outbreak in Ituri province, Democratic Republic of Congo has exploded to nearly 750 cases with 177 deaths, making it the third largest on record. WHO officials confirmed the rapid spread during Friday's briefing, noting the virus was already circulating undetected for weeks before detection.

Health authorities identified the first suspected case as a health worker in Bunia on April 24, but WHO only learned of the cluster on May 5 after four health workers died. By the time response teams arrived, the outbreak had already reached 80 confirmed cases.

The outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo virus, which lacks approved vaccines or treatments. This leaves responders relying on case finding, isolation, and contact tracing to contain transmission. The situation worsens as the virus spreads through conflict-affected regions with weakened health infrastructure.

Active fighting, population displacement, and humanitarian crises complicate containment efforts. WHO has escalated the national risk assessment to very high while maintaining high regional and low global risk levels. The outbreak will likely continue growing until response operations fully deploy.