This interview in Der Spiegel is well worth your time...
Peter Piot was one of the scientists who discovered Ebola in 1976. Turns out it was the fault of Catholic nuns who coldn't be bothered to sterilise the needles they were using to administer vitamins to pregnant women.
He describes the present outbreak as "a perfect storm" which could claim a frightening number of lives in Africa and India. He doesn't see it as a serious threat to countries with a modern health care system.
"I still remember exactly: One day in September, a pilot from Sabena Airlines brought us a shiny blue thermos and a letter from a doctor in Kinshasa in what was then Zaire..."