When it comes to the COVID-19 outbreak, one expert points out how misinformation regarding the virus has become equally contagious. Janet Yang, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Communication in UB's College of Arts and Science, says rumors regarding the coronavirus have been spreading through social media. "People do not necessarily spend the time to verify the sources and even if the information itself is even credible."
Yang believes authorities can help to settle the uncertain situation.
"I think it's important from a risk communication standpoint to keep the message simple and clear to the public because of that uncertainty."
The speed of information along social media can hinder the efforts of health officials to keep the public from jumping to dangerous conclusions. Yang cites a recent post on YouTube which indicated the virus had been found in two people at a local hospital. While the story moved quickly, Yang credits public officials for reacting in a timely manner.
"The Erie County Department of Health immediately responded and clarified that this is false information, please do not spread it further and offered reassurance, basically, that there hadn't been any confirmed cases at the time."
Yang is also encouraging authorities to provide consistent updates on the spread of the virus. She also warns against comparing the coronavirus outbreak to past health scares, like SARS or Ebola.
"Essentially, we have no way of controlling what type of interpretation people are going to make out of this comparison," Yang said.
She notes how politics tend to make matters worse and that elected officials need to keep the public's health and safety in mind when addressing the issue.
"I think we have seen a lot of national leaders making a lot of irresponsible comments about this issue. Right. Predicting when it's going to end, for example, or comparing it to seasonal flu and say it's not a real big deal," Yang said.
"This is something that all of us should be aware of and take precautionary measures without panic."
