The HSE has confirmed that a woman taken to Dublin's Mater Hospital on Monday does not have Ebola.

According to the HSE, the patient was ‘displaying certain symptoms' that required further testing, however Ebola has been ruled out.

"The patient was considered a low risk for the Ebola virus but this has now been ruled out. The HSE must, and does, take each Ebola scenario seriously no matter how low the risk. All appropriate infection control procedures are being taken by all relevant healthcare personnel," it commented.

It emphasised that there are ‘no known cases of Ebola in Ireland presently', but if a case was to be detected, the main concern would be the treatment of the patient ‘and containing the situation'.

"An important concern is maintaining medical confidentiality, and supporting the patient's family and identifying any possible contacts. Should any case of Ebola virus be confirmed in Ireland, a statement will issue. This statement would be released in the event that a diagnosis is confirmed and necessary controls have been put in place," the HSE explained.

It added that in the meantime, the HSE has ‘an overriding responsibility to protect the confidentiality of any patients presenting with symptoms that are similar to those of Ebola and is obliged not to comment on individual cases'.