As with many large events and issues in the modern age, the advent and growth of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) has seen an increase in misinformation about the illness. Notably, on 28 January 2020 one popular post went viral across Sydney with supposed information from the non-existent ‘Bureau of Diseasology Parramatta’ (pictured).
Contrary to the claims in the post, the coronavirus has not been found in rice, noodles, fortune cookies, onion rings, ice tea or energy drinks. Nor have there been any positive readings that specific train stations in Sydney’s western suburbs contain the virus.
Other discredited myths include that the virus jumped to humans from local snake species, or that the virus is caused by eating bat soup.
What do we know for sure about the new coronavirus strain?
It originated in Wuban, the capital of the Hubei province in central China. It is part of a group of viruses that includes the common cold, as well as more serious viruses such as SARS. The symptoms are thus similar to a cold or pneumonia: sneezing, coughing, fatigue, sore throat, a fever and/or shortness of breath. Despite some claims to the contrary, it can be spread from human to human through coughing and sneezing and can be spread before symptoms appear.
This information is not to be taken as updated medical advice. For this you should be looking at reliable and frequently updated government sites and news sources.
Where can you find updated information as it becomes available
The Federal department of Health’s website health.gov.au has a dedicated page for the outbreak, which can be found here, which has links to regular updates and to information.
State health department websites also publish updated information in relation to the coronavirus. In NSW, this can be found here.
Above all, be sceptical of what you hear and read online. It is easy to spread misinformation, paranoia and panic in a time of crisis. As happened and continues to happen in the ongoing bushfire crisis, misinformation can spread easily and cause major issues.