[exDemMom]

There is a huge difference between Ebolavirus and coronavirus.

Ebola does not have pandemic potential because it is a bloodborne pathogen. The only way to spread it is through direct contact with bloody bodily fluids. In addition, the death rate is so high, at 40%, that it tends to kill its victims before they have a chance to infect others.

The Wuhan coronavirus, on the other hand, has known characteristics of a pandemic pathogen. It spreads through the respiratory route, and the fatality rate is low enough for victims to infect others before the virus runs its course. This was the case with the 1917-1919 influenza that swept around the world and killed millions.

Right now, the best bet for preventing a pandemic is the control measures that are already being implemented. Time will show how effective they are.

[Ancesthntr]

“It spreads through the respiratory route, and the fatality rate is low enough for victims to infect others before the virus runs its course. This was the case with the 1917-1919 influenza that swept around the world and killed millions.”

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Note that there was no worldwide infrastructure at the end of WW1 to fly people from nearly every point on the Earth to nearly any other point within a day or two. While we have a better understanding of what causes disease and how to prevent or treat it, the distinct disadvantage that we have is that ANY disease (down to a simple cold) can hitch a ride to the other side of the planet on pretty short notice - as we have seen, repeatedly (and not just with this virus, with EVERY disease).

[dynoman]

Like I said on the thread I quoted, it will be interesting to see what happens in a year.