As the ebola death toll continues to rise, the World Health Organisation warns the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo could become one of the largest on record.

Health authorities believe the rare strain may have been spreading undetected for months in the impoverished Ituri Province.

Australian emergency doctor Ian Norton worked in the same region during the 2018 outbreak – in the same area at the centre of the crisis. He told 10 News+ the region was highly volatile, with armed gangs attacking treatment centres.

“There are peacekeepers on the ground; [it’s] hugely risky to work there,” he said.

“I remember being in one of the coordination meetings and then leaving the country and two weeks later, an armed group came into that exact meeting and shot somebody dead.”

Now, as aid agencies send in crates of medical supplies, fears are growing this outbreak could become one of the most devastating yet.

–with Carrie Greenbank

Watch more from 10 News+ at 10.com.au