Geneva, Oct 8 (IANS): The risk of the Ebola virus disease spreading in Europe is extremely low, the World Health Organisation's regional director for Europe Zsuzsanna Jakab said Wednesday.

Due to travel between Europe and affected countries in Africa, Jakab said sporadic cases of Ebola virus disease in Europe were unavoidable, according to Xinhua.

She said the risk of accidental contamination for people exposed to Ebola patients did exist "which can be and must be mitigated with strict infection control measures".

Jakab noted that European countries were among the best prepared in the world to respond to viral hemorrhagic fever, including Ebola.

"Healthcare workers are on the frontline of the Ebola fight and they are those most at risk of infection. They need to be protected and supported by all means," she said.

Jakab called on all countries to have protocols and procedures to be implemented when a case is suspected. "WHO is, as always, ready to provide help and support where requested," she added.