The app is kept up to date 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is reviewed by experienced medical and security professionals.

International SOS regional medical director Beau Dees said there many businesses with interests in West Africa that are looking for up-to-date information and resources to communicate to their employees before they travel.

"This technology can help reduce the likelihood of panic by providing individuals with accurate, up-to-minute advice and information from a trusted source – and all in the palm of their hands,” Dees said.

"It provides crucial information such as guidance on how Ebola is transmitted, what to do in the event of feeling unwell, what to avoid and how to keep yourself safe."

The app formed part of a wider initiative launched by the company to support the global fight against the virus.

The company’s educational material has been translated into 21 different languages so far, with a website setup outside of the company’s usual paywall to provide information to users.

Oil and gas companies operating in West Africa, including majors such as Chevron Corporation, ExxonMobil and Anadarko Petroleum, have been keeping a wary eye on the advance of the virus in recent months.

ExxonMobil said it would postpone drilling operations off the coast of Liberia last month in response to the spread.

“We had some drilling plans for some blocks offshore in west Africa and Liberia and in that area," CEO Rex Tillerson told reporters in Houston.

"We are having to look at when it would be prudent to resume operations there because you do have to have shore-based operations – you have to have people going in and out."

Analysts have warned that the outbreak could continue to cause panic amongst operators in the region, translating to a cost of millions of dollars a day to the local economies.