| schema:text
| - Last Updated on August 25, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A post on Threads claims that Mpox is an airborne disease now. After conducting a thorough fact check, we can confirm that this claim is False.
The Claim
As per a post on Threads, Mpox can now spread through airborne droplets. It implies that the disease has become an airborne disease. The post includes an image depicting the stages of Mpox lesions, with the caption, “Mpox and it’s airborne now. #WearAMask y’all.”
Fact Check
What is an airborne disease?
An airborne disease is an illness caused by pathogens that can be transmitted through the air. These pathogens are expelled from an infected person via sneezing, coughing, or talking. These infectious diseases can remain suspended in the air for extended periods. Common airborne diseases include tuberculosis, influenza, and COVID-19, which can spread when people inhale these pathogens.
Is Mpox an airborne disease now?
No, Mpox is not an airborne disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirm that Mpox primarily spreads through close contact. The transmission is mainly through skin-to-skin contact, with an infected person’s lesions, body fluids, or respiratory droplets during long-term face-to-face interaction. Respiratory droplets can play a role in transmission. However, Mpox does not spread through the air over long distances like true airborne diseases.
No credible health authorities have reported any changes in the transmission route of Mpox that would categorise it as an airborne disease. It is important to note that Mpox can spread through respiratory droplets. But, this is not the same as airborne transmission, which involves tiny droplets or particles that can linger in the air and travel over distances.
The recent outbreak of Mpox has fueled various conspiracy theories and misinformation. Claims that Mpox is actually shingles, that Bill Gates is integrating HIV into Mpox vaccines, and that Mpox is a form of psychological bioterrorism are all false and sheer misinformation. In times of a public health emergency it is important to clarify and dispel the myths surrounding Mpox. This is essential to ensure accurate health information among the general population.
How does Mpox spread?
Mpox spreads primarily through close, personal contact. Here are the key ways it can be transmitted:
- Direct contact with lesions: The most common mode of transmission is through direct contact with the rash, scabs, or bodily fluids of an infected person.
- Prolonged face-to-face contact: Mpox can spread through respiratory droplets, but this typically requires prolonged close contact. This is unlike airborne diseases, where pathogens can spread over longer distances through the air.
- Contact with contaminated objects: The virus can also spread through contact with objects, fabrics (such as clothing, bedding, or towels), and surfaces that have been used by someone with Mpox.
- Animal-to-human transmission: Mpox can also spread from animals to humans through bites, scratches, or contact with the bodily fluids of an infected animal.
Can wearing a mask prevent Mpox?
Wearing a mask can help reduce the risk of transmission in situations where close, prolonged face-to-face contact is unavoidable, such as in healthcare settings. However, since Mpox is not primarily spread through airborne transmission, wearing a mask alone is not a comprehensive prevention strategy. Other preventive measures, such as avoiding close contact with infected individuals, maintaining good hygiene, and following public health guidance, are important.
Why is it important to understand how Mpox spreads?
Understanding the transmission routes of Mpox is extremely essential for effective prevention and control. Misinformation, like the claim that Mpox is airborne, can lead to unnecessary panic and may divert attention from the actual methods of transmission. Public health efforts focus on educating the public about how Mpox actually spreads so that appropriate precautions are in place.
THIP Media Take
The claim that Mpox is an airborne disease is False. Mpox mainly spreads through direct contact with an infected person’s lesions, respiratory droplets during close contact, and contaminated objects. It is not an airborne disease, and the misinformation surrounding this claim needs awareness to prevent unnecessary fear and confusion. People should continue to follow public health recommendations. These can include avoiding close contact with infected individuals and practising good hygiene.
Our aim is to increase awareness and provide accurate information to the public. This helps debunk conspiracy theories like a website falsely claiming that the WHO ordered mega lockdowns due to Mpox virus. We strive to combat misinformation related to health and disease.
|
![[RDF Data]](/fct/images/sw-rdf-blue.png)
![[cxml]](/fct/images/cxml_doc.png)
![[csv]](/fct/images/csv_doc.png)
![[text]](/fct/images/ntriples_doc.png)
![[turtle]](/fct/images/n3turtle_doc.png)
![[ld+json]](/fct/images/jsonld_doc.png)
![[rdf+json]](/fct/images/json_doc.png)
![[rdf+xml]](/fct/images/xml_doc.png)
![[atom+xml]](/fct/images/atom_doc.png)
![[html]](/fct/images/html_doc.png)