[Capt. Tom]

Not to diminish the 6,900 ebola deaths but they are insignificant compared to other diseases, and other things that afflict us mere mortals.

The press has blown this alleged ebola threat out of proportion.

From a pharmaceutical publication
In 2013, there were 198 million cases of malaria globally and an estimated 584,000 deaths, of which 90% occurred in Africa, the report reveals. Children aged under five years accounted for 78% of total deaths.

[wtd]

Very true. In fact, many suspected cases of Ebola have turned out to be malaria instead. Also, a recent (12/04/2014) report highlighted your point...

• ClarksvilleOnline: Malaria, not Ebola, biggest threat to U.S. Troops in Liberia

  "Monrovia, Liberia – During the American Revolution, George Washington used part of the Continental Army’s scarce budget to purchase quinine for the treatment of malaria in his troops. According to Professor Dale …"

[firebrand]

Ebola is harder to control than the other diseases without complex and expensive protection of health-care workers and anyone else who comes in contact with a patient during the late stages. That is why it is frightening. It has an uncanny ability to spread at that time if everyone is not completely covered and observing the protocols of removal of gear. This is not true with the other diseases mentioned.

[CodeToad]

“but they are insignificant compared to other diseases, and other things that afflict us mere mortals.”

Not when considering the death rate once infected with Ebola.