Unlike SARS, this corona virus is transmitted without evident symptoms, so even a well-intentioned sufferer who might self-quarantine will be passing on the virus unknowingly. The current estimates for the reproduction rate go past 3.0, which is very bad. I read today that medical statistical experts suggest the current true infections could be over 20,000 which may be good news for the fatality rate, or it may be the opposite. I expect it will take another week or so to more fully grasp the CFR, and maybe only in hindsight.
I imagine that things must be getting desperate in Wuhan right now with the bans on travel, personal automobiles etc, and the shortage of medical supplies, food etc.
on edit: Wikipedia already has a pretty informative topic on this virus for the curious