COVID-19 household infection rate eight times that of flu: Expert

Radio Taiwan International
Date: 24 February, 2020
By: Leslie Liao

COVID-19’s household infection rate may be eight times that of influenza. That’s according to researchers at National Taiwan University’s College of Public Health, who were speaking at a prevention seminar hosted by the college.

As of Monday, Taiwan has 30 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Household infection has taken place in eight families.

The college says that based on Taiwan’s data, COVID-19 has a household infection rate of 46%. The household infection rate for influenza, by comparison, is about 8%. The college says the infection rate for COVID-19 can be lowered to around 20%, if people wear face masks and are vigilant about washing their hands.     [FULL  STORY]