Starvation in Biafra wasn't contagious. You couldn't catch it in Western countries.

Previous Ebola breakouts have died down as quickly as they started, often before WHO agents could identify index patients. This time, the strain appears to be rather hardy and resistant to our natural body defences.

Add in the ease of international travel, as per many flu issues and this time the world has to look at it differently. Whilst deploring tardiness, the "wait and see" philosophy was borne of experience not racism.