This Thesis Proposal Review proposes research on the link between infectious disease, contact behaviour, government policy and the macro-economy in light of the 2002/03 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak. Aimed at breaking free of traditional “cost of illness” approaches, this seminar will review time-series econometrics methods for estimating both monetary and non-monetary consequences of outbreaks. Preliminary results will be discussed in light of the experiences of Canada, China and Hong Kong. This speaker will also discuss the role and concept of fear as a mechanism to evaluate the impact of contact behaviour volatility on macroeconomic outcomes. Findings may be of use for government policies and the communication of risks.