Conclusion

Abstract

My intent in writing this book was to give each reader the building blocks in three areas that are essential in confronting the spread of infectious disease. These are a basic introduction to epidemiology, an understanding of interaction networks, and a basic introduction to the economic methodologies that can help guide policy makers. I kept the models and discussions purposefully simple so that the reader could gain an understanding of basic concepts before moving on to more advanced material. As one can imagine, the more deeply one delves into the study of epidemics the more complex and complicated the topic becomes. Partly, the complexity comes from a combination of a variety of topics all interwoven into one meta topic. Epidemics spread both as a function of underlying biology and the decisions of social beings. Thus epidemiology sits at the nexus of the natural and the social sciences. In order to better understand epidemics one needs an understanding of each. I have tried to provide a basic understanding from the perspective of an economist in the previous pages.