800 people diagnosed, 40 people dead. But how many people infected who will NEVER KNOW IT? Why will they never know it? Because it is RARELY lethal.
But let's cut to the chase. How would a terrorist organization have any control over the spread of such a disease? And why would they waster their time and resources doing so?
Why not a disease both contagious AND lethal, like smallpox or the plague?
"Rarely" lethal -- if 5% is rare, well maybe, but still more commonly than the cold or flu. That's why we would care about how many people catch it even if the vast majority don't die. Skeeters can carry it from one person to another, and now it appears to be an issue in organ donations as well.