United States health officials have announced on Wednesday that they have authorized the use of an Ebola test developed by the Pentagon.

The diagnostic test, called DoD EZ1 Real-time RT-PCR Assay, was developed in hopes of containing the deadly Ebola outbreak that has been plaguing Africa.

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The test was designed to be used on persons manifesting the symptoms of the virus, those who may have been exposed to the virus and those who are at risk of exposure.

In a statement by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, DoD EZ1 Real-time RT-PCR Assay was authorized to be used on military personnel, aid workers and emergency volunteers who were sent abroad by the Department of Defense in response to the growing outbreak of the virus.

During a news conference in Washington, D.C., U.S. President Barack Obama said the Pentagon-developed test has insufficient information to garner his approval. The president added that the focus should be on containing the outbreak and preventing further transmissions.

"We're focusing on the public health approach right now, but I will continue to seek information about what we're learning about these drugs going forward," the president said.

However, during extreme cases, U.S. health regulators can evoke "emergency authorization" for unapproved health products especially when there are no other alternatives.

Ebola has no known cure. At present, officials of the World Health Organization are conferring in Geneva whether an international health emergency should be declared.

Meanwhile, Guinea President Alpha Conde and representatives from Liberia and Sierra Leone have met with U.S. health officials on Monday to discuss the outbreak and how the United States government could help.

U.S. Center for Disease Control Director Dr. Tom Frieden has also talked to the leaders regarding steps on how to contain and fight the threat of the Ebola virus.