[magnus]

I agree, but as oldalum noted, this virus seems to spread when patients are still asymptomatic. Also, the death rate is not so high that it's killing people before it can spread.  So I doubt that there is much selective pressure for less virulence or mortality right now.  Perhaps that will change as control measures improve.

Actually,  the NEJM conclusion on asymptomatic transmission was later questioned by the Washington Post when it was discovered that the original lady did have symptoms. 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/20...ions-loom/

[magnus]

I agree, but as oldalum noted, this virus seems to spread when patients are still asymptomatic. Also, the death rate is not so high that it's killing people before it can spread.  So I doubt that there is much selective pressure for less virulence or mortality right now.  Perhaps that will change as control measures improve.

Actually,  the NEJM conclusion on asymptomatic transmission was later questioned by the Washington Post when it was discovered that the original lady did have symptoms. 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/20...ions-loom/