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Dr Mavaza Correspondent

The coronavirus has confined millions of people around the world to their homes, prompting many to seek the latest news and best information about combating the disease. But while mainstream outlets have had a surge in engagement, there has also been a wave of fake news and viral hoaxes.

This means a key source of fake news could now be your closest circle of friends and family passing on information unwittingly via WhatsApp groups. As the coronavirus epidemic reaches the nation of Zimbabwe false information is spreading faster than the virus itself. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned against the consequences of a pernicious “infodemic”.

Despite Donald Trump’s conviction that the coronavirus wouldn’t be able to survive warmer springtime temperatures, the illness has made it to Africa, with countries like Senegal, Algeria, Egypt, Kenya and Nigeria affected. Internet and WhatsApp users are once again targeted by and purveyors of false information. These rumours contribute to triggering unnecessary panic. Fighting an epidemic also involves tackling an infodemic. So the Government must take action against these liars.

Lies which must not be taken serious

1. Transmission via mosquito bites

Although it’s always appropriate to keep a safe distance from the insect that spreads paludism and dengue fever, respiratory viruses don’t seem, at this stage, to be transmitted by mosquito bites, but by droplets of saliva or nasal secretions expelled by an infected person when coughing or sneezing. So coronavirus is not caused by mosquitoes. It is a very dangerous lie that mosquitoes cause coronavirus. Speaking of animals, no house pets seem to have been infected by the new coronavirus.

2. Antibiotics and Chloroquine do not treat Covid-19.

Antibiotics work against bacteria, not viruses. Taking antibiotics to treat or prevent coronavirus could prove harmful by reducing a person’s vigilance. Vaccines against pneumonia don’t provide protection against Covid-19 either. The potential efficacy of Chloroquine is currently being studied but doesn’t look particularly promising. So it is a lie that Chloroquine is treating coronavirus.

3. Hot temperature as a cure

Hot temperatures do not stop the virus. It is a lie and misinformation that high temperatures will kill the virus. Hand dryers and UV lamps don’t effectively guard against the virus. Weather you are in a hot area or not this virus can infect you.

4. Garlic and ginger

These do not treat coronavirus, they are far-fetched remedies.

6. Transmission via parcels from China

Although their lifespan varies depending on the environment and temperature, pathogenic germs can only survive on objects such as parcels, coins and credit cards for a few hours. Products imported from China to Africa have been travelling for too long to transmit the virus.

7. Youthful immunity

This virus has killed even young people from the newly born to those who 45 years old. The virus doesn’t just impact the elderly, although being in a fragile state influences the body’s ability to fight infection.

8. A conspiracy brought to you by big pharmacy

According to this theory, pharmaceutical giants that have made a fortune off drugs are hiding simple, effective coronavirus treatments so that they can profit from the sale of a future vaccine. The anti-vaccine movement piggybacks on the delayed treatment conspiracy. At the moment there is no cure for this virus.

9. Bioweapon rumours

Just as conspiracy theories proliferated about HIV, theories surrounding the coronavirus posit that the disease is a bioweapon engineered by the Chinese government, the US government or Bill Gates’ foundation and that it was either deliberately or accidentally released. These rumours overlap with tall tales of former Soviet bloc countries supposedly carrying out secret geopolitical operations to weaken democracies via massive viral propaganda campaigns. This is not correct and must not be taken seriously.

10. 5G network digital contagion

Based mainly on the fact that the 5G network was rolled out in the Chinese city of Wuhan just a few weeks before the coronavirus came on the scene, and that infected passengers on the Diamond Princess cruise ship had been using the technology, chat groups have been fuelling suspicion towards the electromagnetic fields (EMF) emitted by wireless communications networks.

This does not make sense at all. The virus is not spread electronically or through vibration or radiation. This 5G rumour is malicious and dangerous.

As a nation we must learn to be responsible. We do not need to send messages which we do not have knowledge of. These fake messages making rounds are causing unnecessary panic. This virus is real and needs to be fought by all. Be responsible and do not spread fake news on coronavirus.

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