[wisdomdata]

on currently published numbers the death rate is around one death per 30 infections. (25th January, 41 people dead from 1287 infections). According to wikipedia the spanish flu had a death rate of 1 in 50 (although the numbers may not be that reliable), so until more is known about transmission it should prompt precautions.

[YZF]

We have no idea how many people have none to very light symptoms so these numbers are quite meaningless. I think we'll learn quite a lot more over the coming weeks from the cases in western countries. So far this doesn't seem too concerning but we'll see how it develops...

[mockery]

Where on Wikipedia did you see 1 in 50 for Spanish Flu? I'm seeing a much higher number: "an estimated 10% to 20% of those who were infected died' [1]

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_flu#Around_the_globe

[chrisco255]

There's a delay from infection to death, it may take one to two weeks from showing symptoms to death. So it could be higher than 1 in 30. Still alarming either way.