New Zealand ready to fight Ebola

Though there are no signs of the Ebola virus in New Zealand, the country has prepared itself to fight the epidemic if it occurs.

The New Zealand government has spent NZ$80,000 (around $63,000) on preparations to fight the disease if it occurred, New Zealand Radio reported Thursday.

A spokesperson of New Zealand's health ministry said that the chance of Ebola reaching New Zealand remained low but the country had to be prepared.

The government has spent NZ$40,000 on four plastic-covered beds, or isopods, for transferring patients suspected or confirmed as having Ebola.

It has also spent NZ$40,000 on four point-of-care blood-testing machines, which had already been sent to intensive care units in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch hospitals.