Test results on two children admitted earlier today to The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) are negative for ebola virus disease.

The girls aged four and eight are being treated for a respiratory illness and are now doing well.

Victoria’s Deputy Chief Health Officer, Professor Michael Ackland, said the siblings returned to Melbourne overnight with their parents and another sibling following an extended visit to Guinea. These family members remain well.

“Routine screening of returning travellers from ebola-affected countries in west Africa identified that the girls had elevated temperatures. As a precaution in accordance with universal infection control procedures, they were transported to The Royal Children’s Hospital to be assessed for a range of infections – including ebola virus disease,” Prof Ackland said.

RCH Acting Executive Director of Clinical Operations, Jayne Hughan, said the hospital’s ebola management procedure proved robust.

“While we are all thankful today’s results have been negative, I’m very pleased with the competency and professionalism of our staff in responding to an ebola threat,” Jayne said.

“The RCH has been working for more than seven months to ensure the hospital is fully prepared for an ebola presentation,” she said.

“Our priority is always the safety of our staff and the community, as we provide the best care possible to these patients.”

The RCH is designated to provide care for children under 16 for assessment and management of patients suspected of a viral haemorrhagic fever such as ebola.

While ebola is a very serious disease, it is not highly contagious as it cannot be caught through coughing or sneezing.

The risk of infection is extremely low unless there has been direct exposure to the bodily fluids of an infected person or animal (alive or dead).