UK cruise liners are taking the threat of deadly Ebola ''very seriously'', the UK's association of cruise liners has said, after a US healthcare worker was quarantined on board a ship.

Extra screening of passengers and crew as well as the strict denial of passengers who have travelled to affected areas or been in contact with victims has been recommended to all cruise liners leaving and arriving at UK ports, a spokeswoman for Cruise Liners International Association (CLIA) UK and Ireland said.

It comes as a lab adviser was isolated on board a cruise ship travelling to the Caribbean when it emerged she may have handled fluid samples from an Ebola victim while at work at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in America.

Two nurses at the hospital were diagnosed with the virus following the death of Thomas Eric Duncan.

The woman, who is not suffering from any symptoms and was described as ''low risk'', is on board the Magic Cruise which left Texas last weekend, Carnival Cruise Lines said.

A spokeswoman for CLIA UK and Ireland said: ''CLIA and its member cruise lines have been actively monitoring the Ebola situation, along with our colleagues in the rest of the travel industry.

''Our members continue to engage in active health screening of embarking passengers as they have done for many years.

''The cruise industry is taking this matter very seriously and remains focused, as always, on the well-being of passengers and crew.''

Dover and Southampton international ports said staff are being ''extra vigilant'' and working closely with the Government as the outbreak develops.

A spokesman for the Port of Dover said: ''Whilst the Government says the risk to the UK is very low, the Port of Dover will support whatever measures the Government deems appropriate for the port to ensure it remains a secure place for everyone travelling in and out of the UK.

''Being one of the UK's most important international gateways, we understand the need for vigilance.

''As with all matters relating to border security, we will continue to liaise closely with the responsible agencies, including UK Border Force and Public Health England in order to maintain the highest levels of security.''