Ebola cases in the US could affect workers’ compensation schemes, with healthcare staff at greatest risk, the Insurance Information Institute (III) says.

In Dallas a patient died on October 8 after flying in from Liberia, where the virus is more prevalent. Two medics who cared for him have since been diagnosed with the disease.

The III warns life and medical malpractice insurers may also face claims if Ebola spreads widely beyond the four West African nations that have been hardest hit to date.

General liability and directors’ and officers’ claims may be filed over alleged negligence in preventing transmission of the virus.

However, even if the virus were to infect tens of thousands of US adults, the financial impact is likely to be “quite manageable”, the report says. About one-third of Americans have life insurance through their jobs and another third have individual policies.

The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention says the likelihood of widespread cases in the country is extremely remote.

As of October 10, Ebola had infected at least 8399 people and killed 4035 globally, according to the World Health Organisation.

“If the number of cases in Africa continues on its exponential ascent, the number of people who might carry the virus elsewhere around the world will also grow,” the III warns.

If improvements in airport screening are not fully effective Ebola may become more widespread.

The cost of caring for Ebola sufferers is likely to be substantial. Some may not have health insurance, as was the case with Texas victim Thomas Eric Duncan.

It is unlikely many people in the worst-hit African countries have workers’ compensation coverage, the report says.