Amidst an outbreak of Mpox across several African countries, triggering the highest alert from the World Health Organization (WHO), there’s been a notable increase in online disinformation. False claims include the virus being linked to the COVID-19 vaccine side effects or being transmitted exclusively through gay sex. These assertions have been debunked, emphasizing the need to rely on verified information and understand that Mpox, a virus known for decades, has no scientific connection to the COVID-19 vaccine or any specific sexual orientation in its transmission.
- The outbreak of Mpox in Africa has prompted the highest alert from WHO.
- There has been a surge in online disinformation, including false claims linking Mpox to COVID-19 vaccine side effects and transmission exclusively through gay sex.
- A video of Dr. Wolfgang Wodarg, known for his controversial views, has been widely circulated online, making unfounded claims about Mpox.
- Dr. Wodarg’s video, which is two years old and originates from a far-right channel known for misinformation, suggests without evidence that Mpox symptoms are similar to shingles, a side effect of the COVID-19 vaccine, and accuses the pharmaceutical industry of creating Mpox for profit.
- Mpox and shingles are caused by different virus families, with no scientific link between them or with the COVID-19 vaccine.
- Mpox has been known for decades, first detected in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the 1970s, well before the COVID-19 pandemic.
- There has also been an increase in online homophobia, falsely linking Mpox transmission to gay men, despite the virus being transmissible through various forms of close contact, regardless of sexual orientation.
- Fact-checking agencies and scientists have debunked these false claims, emphasizing the importance of verifying information and understanding the real risks and transmission methods of Mpox.
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