PUBLIC Health England has confirmed tests for Ebola are being carried out on a patient at Hereford County Hospital with a history of travel to West Africa.

Hereford's walk-in GP Centre at Asda was shut down yesterday afternoon after a patient presented with what is being described as 'potentially contagious symptoms'.

The patient was transferred to Hereford County Hospital earlier yesterday evening and is now being treated in line with standard infection control guidelines.

A spokesman for Public Health England said: "Ebola is considered very unlikely but testing is being done as a precaution.

"Based on the evidence-based risk assessment protocol, we are confident that all appropriate actions are being taken to ensure there is no risk to public health.

"It is important to remember that as yet, there has never been a case of Ebola diagnosed in the UK and the infection can only be transmitted through contact with the bodily fluids - such as blood, vomit or faeces - of an infected person.

"We have advised all front line medical practitioners dealing with patients to be alert to signs and symptoms of Ebola in those returning from affected areas. Following such advice we would expect to see an increase in testing.

"Should there be a positive case in the UK, this information will be made available to the public."

The walk-in centre has reopened this morning and the neighbouring dental access centre is also open.