Prime Minister Tony Abbott has warned Australians they must not be complacent about the deadly Ebola virus that is sweeping West Africa.

He says all visitors to Australia from West Africa have been screened for some weeks now.

Spruiking the government’s medical research fund – which is supposed to be funded by the controversial proposed $7 GP co-payment – Mr Abbott said Australia is well-placed to deal with such dreadful diseases because of its medical researchers.

“Our country is prepared for any such eventuality,” he said, opening the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity in Melbourne on Friday.

“The last thing we want is complacency in the face of this latest natural scourge.”

Mr Abbott’s warning came after a Gold Coast man suspected of contracting Ebola was given the all-clear on Thursday.