The problem, at this point, is that we don't have good data. What is the mortality rate? Don't know. From the cases reported, it looks like 10%, which is huge. But it may not be that bad if we knew about all the cases that went unreported and did not lead to death. This is a completely new strain of flu and has the potential to be a killer on par with the Hong Kong pandemic years ago, so it bears watching.

The most recent reports I've read tend to back off the mortality rate. The key, though, is how it evolves over the next six months, heading into the northern hemisphere flu season. By then, it could be a SAR-like footnote or a major health risk. It is that uncertainty that makes it the focus of the medical community (the stakes are high!) but the media, loving a good story, are having a field day with it.