Reactions to global viral outbreaks highlight post-pandemic “fatigue”

Recent outbreaks of hantavirus, Ebola, and mpox fueled anti-vaccine conspiracy theories online.

In recent weeks, several deadly viruses have made headlines and sparked debate online. Cases of hantavirus linked to a cruise ship outbreak ignited weeks of online speculation and conspiracy theories—and at least one alleged act of violence. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization declared an Ebola public health emergency, leading to confusion about how the disease spreads and who is at risk. Finally, a Connecticut case of mpox resurfaced myths about COVID-19 vaccines and stigmatizing beliefs about the communities most affected by the virus.

---

What’s trending in vaccine conversations

In early May, news began circulating in the U.S. about several cruise ship passengers who became sick with hantavirus, including three who died. Some online expressed concern that potentially infected passengers were quarantining in nearly two dozen countries, fearing a repeat of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the weeks that followed, social media users speculated about a return of vaccine mandates and lockdowns, claiming they would not comply. Some falsely alleged that hantavirus is a side effect of COVID-19 vaccination, while others accused vaccine manufacturers of orchestrating outbreaks to sell vaccines. Comments reflected widespread distrust of health entities at all levels, including federal health agencies and officials, as well as health care providers. Two additional stories reignited discourse about hantavirus: A Colorado man died from a hantavirus infection unrelated to the cruise outbreak, and an Arkansas man was arrested after allegedly threatening a mass shooting if the country went into lockdown because of hantavirus.

On May 17, the WHO declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighboring Uganda a public health emergency of international concern. The outbreak has killed over 130 people as of May 19. Many online commenters said they are fatigued by reports of “new” viruses, with some expressing confusion about the difference between a global public health emergency and a pandemic. A high-profile right-wing commentator circulated the conspiracy theory that the U.S. health officials would “unleash Ebola” to disrupt the upcoming election. Others claimed that Ebola coverage was intended to distract from hantavirus, while some expressed concern that the U.S. is unprepared to respond to another pandemic.

Connecticut health officials confirmed on May 13 that a resident who recently traveled to Europe tested positive for mpox. Officials noted that the case “does not pose a risk to the general public” and encouraged people at risk to get vaccinated ahead of summer travel. The news sparked online discussion about how mpox spreads and who is at the highest risk, including LGBTQ+ communities. Some dismissed the report as fearmongering to distract from the U.S. midterm elections, while others expressed frustration at another viral disease in the news. Several posts repeated the debunked myth that mpox is linked to weakened immune systems caused by COVID-19 vaccination.

Read the fact checks: 

• Public Good News: What is hantavirus, and should you be worried?
• WHO: Ebola disease: Questions and answers
• FactCheck.org: Posts Sharing Mpox Misinformation Recycle Claims from Prior Viral Outbreaks

---

Recommendations for public health professionals

The Infodemiology.com team will provide messaging recommendations in response to some of the trending narratives outlined above. Use these helpful tips when creating content, updating web pages and FAQs, and developing strategy for messaging about vaccines.

Concern about hantavirus outbreaks may accelerate the spread of unverified and false claims, particularly when public trust in health authorities is low. Health communicators may address concerns and confusion by explaining that the current risk level to the public is very low, that hantavirus primarily spreads through contact with rodent waste or contaminated surfaces, and that human-to-human transmission is rare and typically requires prolonged, close contact. Messaging may emphasize that health officials worldwide are closely monitoring people who may have been exposed to the virus to help prevent further spread.

Reports about the Ebola public health emergency may raise concerns about personal risk and the government's response. Messaging may explain that global health authorities routinely monitor outbreaks worldwide and alert the public to outbreaks of varying sizes and severity. The Communicators may also emphasize that the WHO has stated that the outbreak is not a pandemic and does not pose a broader threat to the global population. Messaging may note that health experts describe the risk to Americans as “low.”

A U.S. case of mpox may increase concern about who is at risk and fuel stigma against LGBTQ+ communities. Debunking messaging may explain that there is no evidence supporting the false claim that COVID-19 vaccines are linked to mpox. Health communicators may also explain that mpox can infect anyone who is not protected and that people at highest risk include those who recently traveled to—or had close or intimate contact with someone who has recently traveled to—Central and Eastern African and Western European nations affected by current outbreaks. Updating informational materials on mpox and the vaccine’s safety and efficacy is recommended.