HALTON is ready to tackle the deadly Ebola virus, says the borough's health chief.

Residents are being reassured that while the risk is low, health services are prepared should the disease ever reach Cheshire.

Eileen O’Meara, Halton’s director of public health, is confident about the plans in place.

She said: “UK hospitals have a proven record of dealing with this type of disease.

“We have well developed and well tested NHS systems for managing unusual infectious diseases, supported by a wide range of experts.

“ If it is required, The Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospital Trust have a specialist unit for the treatment of Ebola patients.”

Ebola virus disease is a serious, usually fatal, disease for which there are no licensed treatments or vaccines.

For people living in countries outside Africa, it remains a very low threat. No cases of imported Ebola have ever been reported in the UK.

Cheshire & Merseyside Public Health England Centre is closely monitoring the situation and reviewing plans to ensure the safety of the public.

Halton Clr Marie Wright, board member for health and wellbeing, said: "People are naturally going to be concerned about the Ebola outbreak, but all systems that need to be in place have been set up to be ready if they are required."

The Government has advised against all but essential travel to Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea except for those involved in the direct response to the Ebola outbreak.

If you have questions regarding Ebola or local arrangements contact Cheshire and Merseyside Public Health England Centre on 0344 225 1295.