You are correct, Ebola's high mortality rate is a by-product of how it spreads. Ebola virus is successful at spreading due to the fact that it's in various flu

You are correct, Ebola's high mortality rate is a by-product of how it spreads. Ebola virus is successful at spreading due to the fact that it's in various fluids secreted by endothelial cells (which are everywhere in the body). The virus has mutated to let those tissues start to "leak", which means a person infected with Ebola is more likely to leak fluids (which is why it sometimes causes bleeding out of mucous membranes). Since there is an increase in the endothelial fluids released, there is more exposure to those trying to treat a patient with Ebola.[1] The way the virus spreads (increased discharge of endothelial fluids) is what causes it to be so fatal, which is a by-product. [1] Great overview of the virus: http://arstechnica.com/science/2014/11/understanding-the-ebola-virus/1/ http://arstechnica.com/science/2014/11/understanding-the-ebo...