case fatality rate

American  

[keys fey-tal-i-tee reyt, fuh-] / ˈkeɪs feɪˈtæl ɪ ti ˌreɪt, fə- /

noun

1. the proportion of people who die from a disease contracted during a specific period of time, calculated by dividing the total number of deaths by the total number of cases and typically expressed as a percentage: CFR

   It is often difficult to pinpoint the case fatality rate, because many cases of infection can go undetected and thus unreported.

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Etymology

Origin of case fatality rate

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

Mr. Kennedy’s declaration says that “among patients who have severe respiratory symptoms, the case fatality rate has been estimated at approximately 38%.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

Hantavirus is associated with a case fatality rate of up to 50% in the Americas.

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2026

However, past outbreaks have shown a case fatality rate ranging from 25% to 90%, depending on the circumstances and response measures.

From BBC • Jan. 30, 2025

Dividing the total deaths by the number of cases results in what epidemiologists call a case fatality rate, or CFR, of 52 percent.

From Salon • Jul. 23, 2024

It has a case fatality rate of as high as 40% if not treated with antitoxin—supplies of which are “very constrained,” WHO reported.

From Science Magazine • Sep. 20, 2023