The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word OUTBREAK
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
O
U
T
B
R
E
A
K
More clues leading to the result OUTBREAK
Buddy explains!

The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does OUTBREAK mean?
OUTBREAK noun- An eruption; the sudden appearance of a rash, disease, etc.
- An outburst or sudden eruption, especially of violence and mischief.
- A sudden increase.
- A geological layer that breaks out.
- To burst out.
- To break forth.