But such species variations are quite common with viruses. For example, HIV kills the vast majority of humans, yet when injected into chimpanzees seems to produce minimal disease. From our previous experience with the other two outbreaks, rather simple isolation procedures stop the spread in hospitals and communities. So the same procedures should contain it this time. We will know from the case count as intensive surveillance for new cases has been instituted.
Hospitals appear to be the link.
If the primary mode of transmission of this virus is from patient to caregiver, then the establishment of new, large hospitals in rural Africa add a new niche which previously was not there. Thus in years past, transmission of Ebola would be limited to household members instead of large numbers of healthcare workers. In that setting, these outbreaks probably would not be recognized and would spontaneously die out. Ebola has headlines now, but there are other emerging diseases of great concern, from AIDS and Machupo to Hantavirus and Dengue. What is the common element.