JASPER, Ind. — With the coronavirus continuing to spread overseas, economists in Indiana are working to predict the impact it could have on the state, especially in rural, manufacturing areas.

Uncertainty remains over the spread of the coronavirus. But, one thing is for certain: the illness will have a big impact on Indiana’s economy if it continues to spread.

“We’re disproportionately large in terms of our import and export business,” explains Ryan Brewer, a professor of finance at IU Columbus speaking at a Rotary Club event Thursday afternoon in Jasper.

“So, Indiana’s economy is going to be disproportionately affected if this coronavirus really takes hold on a mass level like the Spanish Flu did. And I know there’s reports out of Japan and South Korea now, so, it is spreading, the question is, how bad is it going to get.”

Risk factors to the state’s economy other than coronavirus include the 2020 Election and Boeing shutting down production of the 737 Max aircraft.