Two numbers and response hold key to virus toll
(WorldNews Health)

The eventual human toll and cost of the novel coronavirus (nCoV) from China will hinge on the public health measures taken to contain its spread and two biological numbers that mark its potential to spread and kill, scientists said. Virologists say it is too early to predict the impact of the infection, which can cause pneumonia, as its spread and mortality rates could change in the coming weeks. So far, 1,975 patients have taken ill and 56 have died of nCoV infection, Chinese authorities said on Sunday. Virologists tracking the nCoV are trying to assess two key numbers that define the threat posed by any disease-causing virus. These are R0, or the reproduction number that...