This is significant, given early mortality estimates were much lower. Of course, the age factor and presence of other conditions, not surprisingly, is a major contributor. From the WHO:
Posted at May 8, 2003 12:39 PMThe likelihood of dying from SARS in a given area has been shown to depend on the profile of the cases, including the age group most affected and the presence of underlying disease. Based on data received by WHO to date, the case fatality ratio is estimated to be less than 1% in persons aged 24 years or younger, 6% in persons aged 25 to 44 years, 15% in persons aged 45 to 64 years, and greater than 50% in persons aged 65 years and older.