Protecting the U.S. economy from any damage by Ebola is very low on the list of priorities for Americans, according to a Kaiser Health Foundation poll. But because of a general lack of specific knowledge about how the disease can spread, employers probably need to find opportunities to educate their workers in the event Ebola takes on a heightened presence in the workplace.

Kaiser polled about 1,000 people, asking them a range of Ebola questions. These were put to people Oct. 8-14, so the results don't reflect any effects of the Dallas nurse who flew to Cleveland and hung out with friends and relatives there prior to being diagnosed.

For managers, the survey suggested that more work needs to be done to educate people about how Ebola spreads.

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"The survey finds almost all adults (97 percent) know that a person can become infected with Ebola through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of a person who is sick with Ebola and showing symptoms."

But after that big-picture understanding, confusion begins to show up in the results.

"Majorities [of those surveyed] are aware that a person cannot become infected through the air (66 percent) or by shaking hands with someone who has been exposed to Ebola but does not have symptoms (55 percent), although substantial shares either mistakenly believe Ebola can be transmitted in these ways or say they do not know. However, fewer than four in 10 (36 percent) know that a person must be showing Ebola symptoms to transmit the infection, while nearly half (48 percent) incorrectly believe that a person can transmit the disease before they are showing symptoms," Kaiser reported.

The survey found that nearly half of those polled are worried someone they love will contract Ebola, but three-quarters believe the disease won't escalate into epidemic proportions.

When asked to identify the most important reason for the U.S. to contribute to efforts to contain the disease, here's the breakdown:

  • Protect the health of Americans – 39 percent;
  • Save lives in the African countries affected – 37 percent;
  • Ensure U.S. national security – 10 percent;
  • Improve the U.S. image around the world – 5 percent); and
  • Protect the U.S. economy – 4 percent).

When asked how confident they are in this country's government being able to respond effectively, answers fell this way:

  • Thinks the CDC could contain an outbreak – 73 percent;
  • About two-thirds think their local hospitals and health departments could deal effectively with an outbreak;
  • Think the U.S. is doing enough to fight Ebola in this country – 48 percent; and
  • Say the government isn't doing enough – 44 percent.

Two-thirds of Americans surveyed said the U.S. should play a major role in addressing the outbreak in Africa. Here's the breakdown on how they think that should happen:

  • Providing medical supplies – 93 percent;
  • Investing more money in Ebola research – 83 percent;
  • Sending medical personnel to train and assist doctors – 81 percent;
  • Providing financial aid – 73 percent; and
  • Sending troops and military personnel to help move supplies and set up treatment facilities – 54 percent.

Kaiser said most of those surveyed were following the course of the disease and had some knowledge about it.

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Dan Cook

Dan Cook is a journalist and communications consultant based in Portland, OR. During his journalism career he has been a reporter and editor for a variety of media companies, including American Lawyer Media, BusinessWeek, Newhouse Newspapers, Knight-Ridder, Time Inc., and Reuters. He specializes in health care and insurance related coverage for BenefitsPRO.