Health authorities nationwide have been ordered to increase preparations for a possible outbreak of the Ebola virus in China.

In a notice issued on Monday, the National Health and Family Planning Commission required health authorities to take steps that include the establishment of designated hospitals and the storage of drugs, disinfection and hygiene materials related to Ebola.

The commission is also requiring emergency rescue centers nationwide to be prepared to transport infected patients. The centers should prepare the ambulances, isolation devices and disinfection materials for the transportation work, it said.