Ebola and hantavirus outbreaks prompt raft of conspiracy theories in divided US
Summary
Outbreaks of Ebola and hantavirus in the United States have led to many conspiracy theories claiming these viruses are part of planned schemes like manipulating elections or promoting new vaccines. Experts say these types of conspiracy ideas are normal reactions during disease outbreaks, often blaming groups people already distrust. Social media and other online platforms help these theories spread quickly.Key Facts
- Ebola is rapidly spreading in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and poses a high national risk there, according to the World Health Organization.
- The hantavirus outbreak started on a cruise ship in the South Atlantic, killing three passengers and infecting at least 11 others.
- Conspiracy theories link hantavirus and Ebola to agendas like election interference, bioweapons, financial plots, or fake cures such as ivermectin.
- Social media and artificial intelligence tools make conspiracy ideas spread faster and wider than before.
- Experts say conspiracy theories about viruses are common during outbreaks and often reuse similar ideas from past disease events like Covid and AIDS.
- These conspiracy theories are especially popular among some right-wing groups in the U.S. who claim viruses are planned to harm President Trump or his supporters.
- The World Health Organization mentioned an antiviral drug, obeldesivir, might help prevent Ebola in people who have been in close contact with patients.
- Conspiracy theories usually blame powerful centers like governments or pharmaceutical companies and are not limited to one political side.
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