Ebola outbreak escalates, risk level increases

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is rapidly escalating, now ranking as the third-largest recorded with nearly 750 cases and 177 deaths. The World Health Organization has raised the risk level to 'very high' nationally due to delayed detection and response, allowing the virus to spread extensively. Challenges include the use of an uncommon virus strain lacking vaccines, operating in conflict zones, and weak health systems. Critics point to the US administration's withdrawal from global health leadership and funding cuts as exacerbating the situation.