Tommy Thompson, the US health secretary, told CNN television that the authorities were "very concerned" about Sars because about 4% of cases end in death. He said it was too early to tell whether there would be a pandemic, but added: "Its too early to tell. Its very serious, very contagious."
At what point will it, or will it not, be declared a pandemic?
That 4% may be a percentage of who contracts the ailment, and is sick enough to seek treatment. There may well be many contracting it, and not getting sick enough to go to the hospital. There is not a serum indicator yet, is there? It is all very confusing.