MALAYSIANS have generally been careful since the outbreak of Covid-19 but continuous spread of unverified and dubious information is spooking them.

Information that seemingly counter the virus is widespread on social media, with many blindly forwarding such messages to confuse and miseducate the public.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged social media giants to take stringent action to battle fake news and disinformation disseminated on the coronavirus.

A WHO representative travelled to Silicon Valley to speak directly to tech firms about curbing the spread of false information.

The organisation dubs the spread of fake news on the outbreak an “infodemic”.

To date, the virus originating from Wuhan, China, has infected more than 93,000 people and claimed more than 3,000 lives.

Malaysia reported 55 cases as of yesterday, of which 22 have been cured and discharged. There has been no deaths here.

Here are some myths attached to the virus:

Myth 1: Covid-19 is a man-made virus

There is a fringe theory that Covid-19 is a man-made virus developed in a lab in China which leaked out of the vicinity.

There is also another conspiracy theory that the virus was a bioweapon developed by Chinese scientists.

Chinese and Western scientists have debunked the rumour, who said research shows the virus is most likely transmitted by bats, just like SARS, another epidemic in the coronavirus family of zoonotic origin.

Myth 2: Natural remedies can cure coronavirus

Social media posts claim that rasam – a type of Indian soup – is one of the antidotes for Covid-19. However, there is no scientific studies to back this claim.

On February 7, a news report quoted a “professional health doctor” as saying that Covid-19 patients are cured after eating leafy greens, such as kangkong, and drinking up to seven glasses of coconut water or warm lemon juice.

However, former health minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad advised the masses to have faith in science and medicine instead of quackery.

Myth 3: Everyone needs to wear a mask

Panic buying has left pharmacies depleted of stocks of face masks. It is widely assumed that everyone has to wear a mask when in public places for self-protection.

However, former deputy health minister Dr Lee Boon Chye said there is no need to wear a mask unless there are flu-like symptoms, cough or fever.

Myth 4: Buildings cordoned off

There have been several posts about cordoning off buildings and businesses after Covid-19 cases were detected there.

While some are true, some have been debunked by the Health Ministry as fake news.

For example, Pantai Hospital in Bangsar and St Joseph International School were victims of such rumours.

However, UDA Holdings evacuated its building to make way for sanitisation work after one of its board members was tested positive for the virus.

Mercu UEM, which houses Khazanah Nasional Bhd, also evacuated occupants for sanitisation works.

Myth No 5: Those infected will have symptoms

Some cases could be asymptomatic.

A 29-year-old Chinese woman from Wuhan reportedly infected five relatives, without ever showing signs of infection, according to Chinese scientists.

Researchers have also reported sporadic accounts of individuals without symptoms spreading the virus.

Fear mongering will not help anyone fighting this virus. It is best for everyone to check and confirm the sources of information that is being shared.

The public can refer to the MOH’s official channel or to the WHO website for information. – March 6, 2020.