BTN News: The mpox epidemic, which has garnered significant attention in Africa and around the world, has unfortunately become a breeding ground for widespread misinformation, much of which carries dangerous homophobic and conspiratorial undertones. As the World Health Organization (WHO) declared this outbreak an international public health emergency, an alarming surge of false claims began to circulate, complicating efforts to manage the crisis. These misleading narratives have not only sown confusion but have also contributed to harmful stigmatization and fear. It is crucial to clarify these misconceptions and provide accurate information, ensuring that public discourse is based on scientific facts and not on baseless theories.
One of the most persistent myths surrounding the mpox outbreak is the erroneous claim that it is somehow linked to shingles or the COVID-19 vaccine. A video that has been widely circulated on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) features a German doctor, Wolfgang Wodarg, who is known for his anti-vaccine stance. In the video, Wodarg asserts that the symptoms of mpox are identical to those of shingles and suggests that this alleged shingles epidemic is a side effect of COVID-19 vaccination. He further accuses the pharmaceutical industry of exploiting the situation for financial gain by inciting fear among the public.
This narrative is entirely unfounded. Mpox, also known as monkeypox, was first identified in the 1970s in a child in what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This predates the development of COVID-19 vaccines by several decades, making any connection between the two diseases implausible. Moreover, mpox is a zoonotic virus, meaning it originates from animals, and belongs to the family of poxviruses. In contrast, shingles, or herpes zoster, is a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which is part of the herpesvirus family. The symptoms of the two diseases are also distinct; shingles typically causes smaller, painful lesions, whereas mpox lesions are different in appearance and severity.
Another harmful myth that has been spreading on social media is the notion that mpox only affects homosexual individuals. This misconception has fueled a wave of homophobic rhetoric, with some online users expressing disdain and falsely reassuring themselves that they are not at risk. However, this claim is blatantly incorrect. As Richard Martinello, an infectious disease expert at Yale University, emphasizes, there is no infectious disease that is restricted to any specific sexual orientation. Mpox is transmitted through close, skin-to-skin contact, regardless of sexual orientation. The virus can spread through contact with the fluid from an infected person’s blisters, and it is not limited to any particular group. In fact, during a recent outbreak in the DRC, mpox spread among heterosexual individuals with multiple partners, further debunking the idea that it only affects the LGBTQ+ community.
The issue of treatments for mpox has also been clouded by misinformation. A particularly pervasive conspiracy theory claims that a highly effective Japanese drug called Tranilast could cure mpox, but that it is being suppressed because it is inexpensive. This claim has gained traction on platforms like YouTube and Facebook, but it is entirely without merit. Tranilast, which was approved in Japan and China in 1982 for treating asthma, has never undergone clinical trials to test its efficacy against mpox in humans. Promoting it as a miracle cure for mpox is not only misleading but also potentially dangerous. The most effective strategies to curb the spread of mpox, as demonstrated during the 2022 outbreak, are vaccination, raising awareness among at-risk populations, and isolating those who have been in contact with infected individuals.
Finally, some conspiracy theorists have falsely claimed that the WHO has the authority to impose “mega lockdowns” in response to the mpox outbreak. These claims often tie into the broader “plandemic” narrative, which suggests that pandemics are deliberately engineered for various nefarious purposes. However, this is simply not true. The WHO itself has clarified that it does not have the power to impose lockdowns or any other type of confinement. The organization provides technical advice and support to its 194 member states, but each country retains sovereignty over its public health decisions. The idea that the WHO could unilaterally enforce lockdowns is a complete fabrication.
In conclusion, the mpox epidemic has been accompanied by a flood of misinformation that has not only misled the public but also exacerbated existing prejudices and fears. It is vital to dispel these myths and to base public health decisions and discussions on accurate, science-based information. Mpox is a serious public health issue that requires a coordinated, informed response, free from the distractions of unfounded rumors and conspiracy theories. By staying informed and focusing on verified facts, we can better protect ourselves and our communities from both the disease and the damaging effects of misinformation.
