AIRPORT officials in Southend are monitoring the use of Ebola screening but have no plans to bring in similar measures yet.

Checks began at Heathrow this week and are due to be expanded to Gatwick and the Eurostar by the end of the week.

Airports outside of London, including Manchester and Birmingham could also soon follow suite.

Southend Airport has not introduced the checks, but is liasing with the Government to monitor the situation.

A spokesman said: “The welfare of our passengers and colleagues at London Southend Airport is always our main priority and we are in regular contact with Government officials and are receiving the latest information and advice.

“We would like to reassure passengers the Government assesses the risk of a traveller contracting Ebola to be low. We would encourage anybody with individual questions or concerns to refer to guidance from Public Health England and the Foreign Office.”

Current research given to the Government suggests up to ten cases of Ebola will be identified in the UK over the next three months.

Countries worst affected by Ebola so far are Senegal, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia. There are no direct flights from Southend.

Screening processes include passengers having their temperature taken and being given a questionnaire on their current health, recent travel and if they have had contact