The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has recorded the highest number of confirmed cases within the first month of any outbreak on record, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Health officials say more than 1,000 infections and 267 deaths have been confirmed so far, raising concerns over the rapid spread of the virus.

Speaking during a briefing in Geneva on Tuesday, WHO senior official Abdirahman Mahamud said the outbreak has expanded at an alarming pace, particularly after reaching urban centres such as Bunia and the mining town of Mongbwalu.

He said the outbreak may have been circulating undetected for months before it was officially declared on May 15, making containment more difficult from the outset.

“What is clear is that this outbreak is moving faster than our response capacity,” Mahamud said, urging a rapid scale-up of containment measures.

Unlike previous outbreaks that began in remote rural areas, officials say the current wave has spread into densely populated urban environments, accelerating transmission.

Despite the surge, WHO reported some progress in response efforts, including a significant expansion of treatment capacity, with Ebola treatment beds now exceeding 500.

Mahamud also noted improving community engagement, saying resistance to health workers was declining as awareness of the disease increases.

“More communities are now aware of the risks and are asking for support and protection tools,” he said.

The outbreak has also spread to at least three displacement camps in eastern Congo, where overcrowding and population movement are worsening the situation.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) confirmed that at least 25 cases, including 14 deaths, have been recorded in these camps.

Aid agencies say conditions in the camps are contributing to the spread, as many residents move in and out daily in search of food and work.

Humanitarian groups working in the region have also reported additional suspected child deaths, although laboratory confirmation is still pending.

Health experts warn that the combination of urban spread, displacement, and delayed detection has created a particularly challenging outbreak scenario.

The WHO and partner agencies are now calling for urgent reinforcement of surveillance, treatment capacity, and community outreach efforts to contain the virus and prevent further spread.