Study: Corona misinformation claimed thousands of lives

A medical study revealed that misinformation about the Coronavirus has caused thousands of deaths and prompted thousands to seek medical care.

A team of scientists from countries including Australia, Japan and Thailand analyzed data collected between December 2019 and April 2020 for the purpose of the study, which was published in the "American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene" (the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Health).

The data showed that about 800 people died due to drinking highly concentrated alcohol to cleanse their bodies, while 5900 people were transferred to hospitals after consuming methanol, and 60 people lost their eyesight later.

The misinformation circulating among social media users in India prompted many to consume cow urine or dung to protect themselves from infection.

The study, which analyzed data from 87 countries in 25 languages, pointed out that some Asians and healthcare workers were repeatedly stigmatized, and were subjected to verbal and physical abuse.

The scientists urged governments and international organizations to carry out effective control of disinformation over the Internet. And they asked them to "cooperate with social media companies to spread the correct information."