[timr]

"isn't it possible that we are underestimating how easily the disease can spread?"

Yes, though the number of health care workers catching the disease in West Africa is more indicative of the total lack of basic medical supplies there, than anything else. Last that I heard, the MSF has a very low rate of transmission to medical staff because they're properly outfitted and strict about decontamination protocols.

That said, too many people are repeating the "it isn't airborne" line as if it has great significance. Ebola doesn't need to be "airborne" -- it's contagious enough, simply because it's very difficult for human beings not to come into contact with "bodily fluids", particularly when they're caring for sick people.

The fact that Ebola "isn't airborne" is comforting from the perspective that it isn't likely to spread to large numbers of people in public spaces. But even so, it's more than infectious enough to cause an epidemic.

[towski]

This will be the first time humans have ever underestimated nature