[Bruce Kurtz]

That 90% is the death rate. E.g 100 people infected 90 die. It says the death rate has been reduced by 60%, I guess that means .9X.6 = .54, .9-.54 = .36 or 36 %. So 100 people infected 36 die.

[sonjay]

It says the death rate has been reduced by 60%

Actually, it says the death rate is 60 percent. There's a comma after 60 percent -- so it is saying that the death rate is 60%, (which is) lower than than the 90 percent rate in previous outbreaks.

Notice the comma:
"the death rate of the outbreak that began in March is 60 percent, lower than the 90 percent rate in some previous outbreaks"

[DoughtyOne]

And the death rate of the outbreak that began in March is 60 percent, lower than the 90 percent rate in some previous outbreaks.

I read this to mean that the 90% mortality rate was reduced to a 60% mortality rate.

It is worded such that the intent is not to say there has been a 60% drop in the 90% figure. The new figure is simply 60%.

And the death rate of the outbreak that began in March is 60 percent,...