Ebola and hantavirus outbreaks prompt raft of conspiracy theories in divided US
Recent outbreaks of Ebola and hantavirus in the US have sparked a surge of conspiracy theories. Experts note that the rapid spread of these ideas is fueled by social media and AI. The theories often suggest that the outbreaks are part of a larger scheme to manipulate political events or public perception.
- ▪Ebola is spreading rapidly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, posing a high national risk.
- ▪The hantavirus outbreak began on a cruise ship, resulting in three deaths and multiple infections.
- ▪Conspiracy theories surrounding these outbreaks are not new and have been prevalent during previous health crises.
- ▪Experts indicate that the influence of social media has accelerated the spread of these conspiracy theories.
- ▪Theories often accuse powerful entities, such as pharmaceutical companies or the government, of orchestrating these events.
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A patient prepares to have blood drawn for a test at General Referral Hospital of Mongbwalu in eastern DRC this week. Photograph: Michel Lunanga/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenA patient prepares to have blood drawn for a test at General Referral Hospital of Mongbwalu in eastern DRC this week. Photograph: Michel Lunanga/Getty ImagesUS newsEbola and hantavirus outbreaks prompt raft of conspiracy theories in divided USEver-growing influence of social media and AI means such ideas spreading at faster rates than before, experts sayEdward HelmoreMon 25 May 2026 08.00 EDTLast modified on Mon 25 May 2026 08.01 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleHantavirus and Ebola outbreaks carry with them familiar attendants in the US: extreme conspiracy theories about a planned pandemic, or “plandemic”,…
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