From what I've been told by doctors I know, the system has learned how to better deal with the critically sick patients, and are somewhat better at addressing early onset problems with high risk patients. This has led to a decrease in deaths.
That good news aside...
I just heard yesterday of another friend here in Austin... A late 20s, early 30s, man that's pretty fit (runs half marathons, competes in fitness competitions)... That got infected and has been having a hard time over the last couple of weeks. Not critical, but painful.