Most Americans lack knowledge about Ebola: Poll

Most Americans are not fully aware about the deadly disease Ebola, says a poll conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH).

Nearly 39 percent adult Americans believe that there will be a large outbreak in the US and 26 percent are concerned that someone in their family may get sick with Ebola over the next year.

The poll found that people with less education are more likely to be concerned about an outbreak in the US.

"Those with less education are also less likely to be following the news about the Ebola outbreak in West Africa closely," said the findings.

A third of the people who participated in the poll believe there is "an effective medicine to treat people who have gotten sick with Ebola".

"Many people are concerned about a large scale outbreak of Ebola occurring in the US," said Gillian SteelFisher from Harvard School of Public Health.

Ebola is not an airborne illness and is transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, infected objects or infected animals.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there is no proven anti-viral medicine to counter Ebola. However, treating symptoms - such as maintaining fluids, oxygen levels, and blood pressure - can increase the odds of survival.