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| - Last Updated on August 21, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A post on X claims that Mpox is a planned pandemic organised by Bill Gates. We did the fact check to term this claim as False.
The Claim
A social media post on X (formerly Twitter) has recently gone viral. The post claims that Mpox (Monkeypox) is a planned pandemic organised by Bill Gates. The claim suggests that the virus’s emergence and its spread are not natural occurrences but part of a deliberate agenda led by powerful figures. It specifically targets Gates as the mastermind behind this so-called “plandemic”.
Fact Check
What is Mpox?
Mpox is also known as Monkeypox. It is a viral disease due to the monkeypox virus, a member of the orthopoxvirus genus. This genus also includes the variola virus responsible for smallpox. The disease was first identified in 1958 in monkeys used for research. But, it mainly spreads through close contact between humans or between humans and infected animals.
Although Mpox shares some similarities with smallpox, it is generally less severe and less contagious. The disease gained global attention after a multi-country outbreak in 2022. The outbreak led to increased public awareness and concerns. Unfortunately, some of these have fueled conspiracy theories like the Mpox conspiracy theory.
What are the symptoms of Mpox, and is it treatable?
Mpox symptoms generally begin with fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. These symptoms are followed by the development of a distinctive rash that can resemble pimples or blisters. The rash often starts on the face and then spreads to other parts of the body, including the hands, feet, and genital area. The illness usually lasts between 2 to 4 weeks. Although it can be severe in some cases, most people recover fully without specific treatment.
As of now, no specific antiviral treatment exists for Mpox. But, drugs like tecovirimat, originally developed for smallpox, may be effective. Medical professionals focus on providing supportive care to manage symptoms. Health authorities recommend vaccination for those at high risk or those who may have been exposed to the Mpox virus.
How can you protect yourself from Mpox?
Protecting yourself from Mpox involves a combination of straightforward yet effective measures. These include:
- Avoiding close contact with individuals who are infected or suspected to be infected.
- Practising good hand hygiene by regularly washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
- Avoiding contact with animals that could be infected, particularly in regions where Mpox is endemic.
- Using personal protective equipment (PPE) if you are caring for someone with Mpox.
- Getting vaccinated if you’re at high risk or have been exposed to the virus.
Is there a vaccine for Mpox?
Yes, there are vaccines available for Mpox. The vaccines initially developed for smallpox, such as the JYNNEOS (also known as Imvamune or Imvanex) and ACAM2000, have been found to be effective against Mpox due to the similarities between the monkeypox and smallpox viruses.
JYNNEOS is the most commonly recommended vaccine, particularly for people who are at high risk of exposure to the virus, including healthcare workers and individuals in outbreak areas. It is a non-replicating vaccine, meaning it does not cause an active infection in the person vaccinated. This makes it safer for people with weakened immune systems.
The ACAM2000 vaccine is also effective but is less commonly used because it is a live, replicating vaccine. This can cause more side effects like pain at the injection site, lymph node pain and pruritis (itchy skin) to name a few. Also, it is not recommended for people with certain health conditions.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved these vaccines and is working to ensure equitable access, especially in countries with limited healthcare resources. However, the availability of these vaccines remains a challenge, particularly in regions with ongoing outbreaks.
Is it true that Mpox is a planned pandemic by Bill Gates?
No, the claim that Mpox is a planned pandemic orchestrated by Bill Gates is completely false. Conspiracy theories like this one are often dependent on fear and misunderstanding. Plus, they thrive on misinformation spread through social media.
The origins of Mpox, like many other zoonotic diseases, lie in natural processes. The monkeypox virus is transmitted from animals to humans in regions where people live in close contact with wildlife. The spread of Mpox, particularly during the 2022 outbreak, was worsened by human-to-human transmission, especially in settings involving close physical contact.
Bill Gates, cofounder of Microsoft Corporation, is a technologist, business leader, and philanthropist. Through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, he has been advocating for global health. Unfortunately, this advocacy has made him a target for conspiracy theories, especially during public health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. The Mpox conspiracy theory is just one of many unfounded claims that lack any scientific evidence or credibility.
What does the WHO say about the current status of Mpox in the world?
As of August 2024, the WHO has declared Mpox a “public health emergency of international concern” (PHEIC) due to a sharp rise in cases. This is particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and neighbouring African countries. Over 99,176 cases and 208 deaths have been reported in more than 75 countries this year.
This declaration aims to prompt a coordinated international response. The focus is especially on scaling up surveillance, preparedness, and response activities. The rapid spread of a new virus strain, clade 1b, in the DRC and surrounding regions has raised concerns about its potential to spread further, requiring urgent action. The WHO and global health bodies (like PAHO) are working to improve vaccine access. This is especially essential in lower-income countries, to help curb the spread of the virus.
Why do people believe in such conspiracy theories?
Conspiracy theories like the Mpox conspiracy theory often gain reach in an uncertain environment, particularly during public health crises. These theories offer simple explanations for complex events, which can be appealing to some individuals. The rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation in this case, on social media further amplifies these false narratives.
What should you do if you come across such claims?
If you encounter claims like the Mpox conspiracy theory, it’s essential to:
- Check the source: Consider whether the information comes from a credible, reliable source.
- Seek out expert opinions: Look for statements from recognised health organisations. These can include the World Health Organisation (WHO) or the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Educate yourself: Learn about the disease, its transmission, and prevention from trustworthy sources.
THIP Media Take
The claim that Mpox is a planned pandemic organised by Bill Gates is false. It represents a clear case of disinformation. Mpox is a naturally occurring viral disease spread through human and animal interactions. It is essential to rely on credible information and scientific evidence when understanding health issues. Conspiracy theories can mislead and cause unnecessary fear. There is another Mpox conspiracy theory which claims that Bill Gates is inserting HIV into Mpox vaccines. This allegation is completely baseless and lacks credible scientific evidence. Therefore, it is important to approach claims about health emergencies with a critical eye.
Just like Mpox, COVID-19 has been the centre of numerous conspiracy theories. For instance, posts have claimed that mRNA vaccines cause large blood clots, alleged that COVID-19 was a test for Pfizer, and some even suggested that COVID vaccines caused deadly heart defects. These claims are purely misinformation and disinformation, creating unjustified panic among the public.
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