Doctored BBC News graphic used to push monkeypox falsehoods
A viral graphic listing four alarming but false claims about monkeypox is being falsely attributed to BBC News. But it’s not authentic. Let’s take a look at the facts.
This is not an authentic graphic from BBC News.
It appears to be a doctored version of a graphic posted July 23 by the verified Instagram account of BBC News.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not classified monkeypox as an airborne virus.
According to the World Health Organization, it spreads “through close [physical] contact” and through contaminated surfaces.
Monkeypox is not a form of herpes.
Experts confirmed to The Associated Press that herpes is a “completely different virus.”
Monkeypox infections do not “typically last 2-4 months.”
According to the CDC, monkeypox infections typically last two to four weeks.
According to FactCheck.org, there is no evidence that paralysis is “a recognized problem associated with monkeypox.”
NewsLit takeaway
Doctored headlines and graphics falsely attributed to credible sources are often shared online to spread disinformation. Be wary of posts that include screenshots that make sensational, fear-inducing claims without including live links to credible sources. A quick internet search for any of these claims surfaces numerous fact-checks and is an effective way to debunk this viral post.
Featured Fact-Checks
- “Fact Check-False claims CDC classified monkeypox as ‘airborne’ and a form of herpes stem from fake post impersonating BBC News” (Reuters Fact Check).
- “Image makes false claims about monkeypox and wasn’t shared by BBC News or the WHO” (Madison Czopek, PolitiFact).
- “Image falsely attributes monkeypox claims to BBC, health officials” (Angelo Fichera, The Associated Press).
- “Four False Claims About Monkeypox” Saranac Hale Spencer, FactCheck.org).