UK doctor under observation for Ebola

A British doctor working at the Australian-run Ebola Treatment Centre in Sierra Leone is under observation for Ebola virus following possible exposure to the deadly disease.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said he had been transferred to the United Kingdom for a 21-day period of observation.

Ms Bishop said a medical assessment had been completed, showing no diagnosis of Ebola. The man was displaying no symptoms.

This follows an unspecified clinical incident which resulted in potential exposure to Ebola.

Ms Bishop said a full investigation was under way.

"The Australian-funded ETC has strict infection prevention protocols in place, and the safety of staff and patients is paramount," she said in a statement.

Ms Bishop said a New Zealand nurse who recently returned to New Zealand after working at the ETC has since developed symptoms of gastroenteritis.

That was being managed as a potential case of Ebola until Ebola could be ruled out.

The Australian-operated Ebola treatment centre started work in Sierra Leone at the end of last year. So far 118 patients have been discharged from the Centre, with 36 patients having recovered from Ebola.