contagion

noun6

1. •
   The spread or transmission of such a disease.
2. •
   (figurative) The spread of anything likened to a contagious disease.
3. •
   (figurative) The passing on of manners or behaviour through a closed community or household.
4. •
   (figurative) The spread of (initially small) shocks, which initially affect only a few financial institutions or a particular region of an economy, to other financial sectors and other countries whose economies were previously healthy.

   • And it was German procrastination that aggravated the Greek crisis and caused the contagion that turned it into an existential crisis for Europe. — 2011
5. •
   A disease spread by contact.
6. •
   A recession or crisis developed in such manner.