A number of false theories have been spread globally about the virus in recent weeks.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that “trolls and conspiracy theories” are undermining their response to the new coronavirus.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters that misinformation was “making the work of our heroic workers even harder”.
More than 34,800 people have been infected with the new coronavirus worldwide, the vast majority in China.
There have been 723 deaths in China and one death abroad, in the Philippines.
Of the 34,598 people infected within China, Dr. Tedros said almost 25,000 are in Hubei Province – the region where the outbreak was first reported, which has since become the epicenter of the virus.
“I would also like to speak briefly about the importance of facts, not fear,” Dr. Tedros said. “People must have access to accurate information to protect themselves and others.”
He said misinformation around the new strain, 2019-nCoV, “causes confusion and spreads fear to the general public”.
“At the WHO we’re not just battling the virus, we’re also battling the trolls and conspiracy theories that undermine our response,” he added.
“The Guardian [newspaper] headline says today, ‘Misinformation on the coronavirus might be the most contagious thing about it’.”
As the death toll from the coronavirus outbreak continues to rise, social-media users have been sharing advice on ways to treat or prevent the disease.
But at least some of the tips have proved to be misleading or false.
One such claim – shared 16,000 times on Facebook – advises users in the Philippines to “keep your throat moist”, avoid spicy food and “load up on vitamin C” in order to prevent the disease.
The information is said to be from the country’s Department of Health but it does not match the advice on the DOH website or its official press releases on the outbreak. The World Health Organization’s official advice for the public on the new coronavirus suggests only avoiding consuming “raw or undercooked animal products”.
There is currently no vaccine against the virus but standard recommendations to prevent infections apply.
These include
Regular hand washing.
Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing and sneezing or, failing that, with the crook of your arm.
Thoroughly cooking meat and eggs.
Avoiding close contact with anyone showing symptoms of a respiratory disease.
Written By PRECIOUS PAUL