Australian border protection officials and doctors have been told to watch out for people potentially carrying the infectious disease, particularly sick travellers returning from affected regions.

While the Department of Health said there was a ‘‘very low’’ risk of the disease arriving in Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said Australian embassy personnel had deferred travel to Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

‘‘We recommend Australian travellers do the same,’’ a statement said.

‘‘Should you decide to travel to these countries despite our recommendations, closely monitor the advice provided by local health authorities and the World Health Organisation. In addition, we advise you to maintain strict standards of hygiene and avoid direct contact with patients with Ebola or unknown illnesses.’’

The department said emergency evacuations would be ''extremely difficult'' to conduct for any Australian who falls ill with Ebola overseas.

More than 1201 people have been diagnosed with Ebola since March and about 670 have died, including doctors treating those with the illness.

A Department of Health spokesman said while one person in South Australia had been tested for a suspected case of Ebola this week, the test was negative.

The Ebola virus causes Ebola Virus Disease in humans and kills up to 90 per cent of those affected. Symptoms include high fever, muscle pain and weakness, headache and sore throat, followed by vomiting, diarrhoea and internal and external bleeding. There is no known vaccine or cure.

The virus can be transmitted to humans from wild animals or between humans through bodily fluids, including blood, faeces and sweat. Transmission can also occur through direct contact with the body of a deceased Ebola patient.