There are reassurances that a nurse being quarantined for Ebola is unlikely to test positive.

A second New Zealand healthcare worker is being tested for Ebola, after returning from the international response in West Africa.

Since returning home from Sierra Leone the patient has developed what's described as "minor symptoms".

Blood samples have been taken and are being sent to a high security lab in Melbourne with results expected in the next 24 to 48 hours.

The patient has only been in contact with their partner in this time, with the partner now also being monitored.

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says blood tests have been taken, but it's mostly as a precaution.

"The health officials say it's very unlikely to be Ebola, but because she's been in that zone the right thing to do is to put her into isolation."

"Since she became symptomatic the only person she's came in contact with has been her partner who is also in isolation."

The previous New Zealand healthcare worker who developed symptoms eventually tested negative for the disease.