A leading public health expert said systems are in place to pick up any suspected cases of the deadly ebola virus coming through East Midlands Airport.
However, Dr Philip Monk, a consultant in public health with Public Health England in Leicestershire, said the disease sweeping countries in West Africa is not easily passed from person to person.
He said: "The critical thing is that this outbreak is in West Africa.
"Many people have friends or family working charitably or on business in West Africa but they are not picking up the virus. Those who are at risk are those exposed to the bodily fluids of those infected."
Dr Monk said that unlike the flu virus, ebola cannot survive long in the environment, such as on desks or telephones.
He said: "To date, we have never had a case of transmission in the west."
Dr Monk, who is responsible locally for anyone flying into East Midlands Airport with an infectious disease, said "robust systems" were already in place to detect anyone coming into the county with an infectious disease.
He said: "Aircraft captains have a legal duty to report any case of someone who is unwell.
"I would then have a conversation via the control tower.
"If it is something potentially serious, an ambulance would meet the plane and, if necessary, the person taken to the infectious diseases unit at Leicester Royal Infirmary, for tests."
Nationally, Public Heath England is working with agencies such as Medecins Sans Frontieres to provide support.
By the end of next month it is also planning to send 10 staff to the affected areas.
The organisation has also warned doctors to "remain vigilant for unexpected illness in those who have visited the affected area."
Ebola is a viral disease, thought to be caused by fruit bats. It affects humans and other primates.
The incubation period ranges from two to 21 days and symptoms include fever, headache, joint and muscle pain, sore throat and intense weakness.
This is followed by diarrhoea, vomiting, a rash, impaired kidney and liver function and stomach pain.
Some patients may develop a rash, red eyes, hiccups, internal and external bleeding.
Ebola, also known as ebola hemorrhagic fever, is fatal in 50 to 90 per cent of cases.
There is no specific anti-viral treatment for ebola. Dr Monk said treatment is supportive, such as replacing fluids if a patient is bleeding, and helping those with breathing difficulties. He said: "The problem in Africa is that by the time the disease is recognised it is often far too late, as there aren't the developed health care systems in place."
