SARS Picks at China, Copper and Cotton

Imagine the economic havoc that could spring from the following nightmarish scenario: Cities are barricaded, preventing passengers from leaving disease-affected urban centers. Trucks are prohibited from engaging in intercity travel, blocking deliveries and normal commerce.

Metropolitan health care systems barely function because of high levels of infection, illness and death among medical workers. Maritime and aviation crews are detained and tested for infection. Flights get postponed.

Domestic life is interrupted. Students are told to stay home for weeks on end, disrupting families and education plans. Cafes, discos and entertainment venues close. Tourism drops to nothing. Then, with thousands quarantined, riots in multiple townships break out. ...