This research aims to investigate the impact of misinformation about the hantavirus outbreak on public perception and health responses.
Analyzed social media posts regarding the Andes hantavirus outbreak associated with MV Hondius.
Conducted surveys to assess public beliefs influenced by misinformation.
Examined the correlation between misinformation spread and public health responses.
Misinformation significantly increased public anxiety about hantavirus transmission.
70% of surveyed individuals believed false claims regarding the outbreak.
Effective communication strategies could mitigate the negative impacts of misinformation.
Abstract
The power of social media in our time, not surprisingly, generated lots of myths circulating around the recent Andes hantavirus (ANDV) outbreak linked to a sailing cruise ship MV Hondius in South A...