LONDON: A healthcare worker recently returned from Sierra Leone was on Monday diagnosed with Ebola by doctors in Glasgow in the first diagnosis of the virus in Britain during the current outbreak.

“A confirmed case of Ebola has been diagnosed in Glasgow,” the Scottish government said in a press release.

The patient returned to Scotland late Sunday via Casablanca and London Heathrow, arriving at Glasgow Airport around 11:30 pm local time (2330 GMT).

The patient was admitted to hospital Monday after feeling unwell and placed into isolation at 7:50 am.

“All possible contacts with the patient are now being investigated and anyone deemed to be at risk will be contacted and closely monitored,” said the government.

"However, having been diagnosed in the very early stages of the illness, the risk to others is considered extremely low."

The patient will be transferred to the high level isolation unit in London's Royal Free hospital “as soon as possible” according to protocol laid down by the government in London.

“Our first thoughts at this time must be with the patient diagnosed with Ebola and their friends and family. I wish them a speedy recovery,” said Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

"Scotland has been preparing for this possibility from the beginning of the outbreak in West Africa and I am confident that we are well prepared."

Will Pooley, a British nurse, was flown to London earlier this year after being diagnosed with the Ebola virus in Sierra Leone. He recovered and has since returned to the country to help efforts to stem the disease.