Congolese authorities announced Sunday that suspected cases of Ebola in the ongoing outbreak in the country's east have now exceeded 900. The ministry of communication reported 904 suspected cases and 119 suspected deaths as of Sunday.

This figure represents a significant increase from previous announcements of over 700 suspected cases, with the majority concentrated in Ituri province, the epicenter of the outbreak. The World Health Organization has classified the current outbreak as posing a "very high" risk to the Democratic Republic of Congo, while assessing the global spread risk as low.

Health officials are grappling with severe challenges in their efforts to contain the disease, which has been declared a global health emergency. The situation is exacerbated by violence from armed rebel groups, widespread displacement of people, governmental failures, and significant cuts to international aid that have weakened health facilities in vulnerable areas.

Compounding the crisis, health workers have faced direct attacks, including arson incidents targeting Ebola treatment centers in the country's east. Two such centers were targeted last week, highlighting deep-seated anger in a region plagued by persistent violence and mistrust.

Experts suggest these attacks may stem from "built-in skepticism and anger" among the population in eastern Congo, who feel neglected and unprotected by their government and international peacekeepers amidst years of conflict. The strict protocols surrounding the burial of suspected Ebola victims, managed by authorities to prevent further transmission, have also been a source of local contention.

These difficulties come at a time when the health infrastructure is already strained. Experts have pointed to aid cuts as a major factor in the depletion of resources for health facilities serving communities already struggling with insecurity and displacement.

The ongoing violence and lack of trust create a complex environment for public health interventions, making it harder to reach affected populations and implement necessary containment measures effectively.

Authorities continue to work on implementing control measures, but the combination of a rising case count, attacks on health infrastructure, and resource shortages presents a formidable challenge to overcoming the outbreak.