Ebola misinformation
False claims about Ebola origins, treatments, and prevention.
Ebola misinformation encompasses a range of conspiracy theories, hoaxes, and unproven remedies that have circulated about the virus. These false claims have addressed the origins of outbreaks, treatments for Ebola virus disease, and preventative measures. The phenomenon gained notable attention during major outbreaks.
Quick Facts
- Fda official quoted
- Gary Coody, national health fraud coordinator
Facts from the source article.
Did You Know?
- During the 2014 and 2019 outbreaks, hoax remedies for preventing Ebola included frequent use of essential oils.
- There is no evidence that any of these treatments decrease the risk of Ebola virus infection.
- No known plausible mechanisms exist for such an effect.
Unproven and disproven treatments
During the Western African Ebola virus epidemic, unproven and fake treatments were marketed online in the United States. These included snake venom, vitamin C, Nano Silver, and various homeopathic and herbal remedies such as clove oil, garlic, and ewedu soup. Gary Coody, national health fraud coordinator for the FDA, compared the purveyors to storm-chasing roofers who defraud people after a disaster. He noted that such remedies may cause patients to delay effective hospital care.
Virus origins
During the 2014 outbreak in Liberia, an article alleged the virus was a US military bioweapon for population control. Other online theories claimed the New World Order engineered the virus to impose quarantines and travel bans leading to martial law. During a 2019 outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, rumors spread that the virus was imported for financial gain or as part of a plot to procure organs for the black market.
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