WHO declaration of public health emergency triggered by worsening of mpox outbreak in Africa, not a ploy to push for using vaccine stocks

CLAIM
The WHO declaration of a public health emergency is a scheme to use vaccines “stocked up in warehouses”; bird flu, parvovirus B19, and monkeypox are “rebranding” of the same virus

SOURCE: Rizza Islam, Instagram

Published: 20 Aug 2024

VERDICT

Soap-soaked cotton balls aren’t a reliable method for removing ticks, contrary to recurring viral claim

CLAIM
Using a soap-soaked cotton ball is a safe and easy way to remove ticks

SOURCE: Social media user, Facebook

Published: 20 Aug 2024

VERDICT

Facebook reel misinterprets patents for proposed therapies and vaccines as patents for viruses

CLAIM
Patent US5676977A is for AIDS, patent US8835624B1 is for H1N1, patents US7897744B2 and US8506968B2 are for SARS

SOURCE: Social media users, Facebook, Twitter

Published: 16 Aug 2024

VERDICT

Oral birth control doesn’t cause PCOS or uterine fibroids; wild yam and castor oil are unproven treatments

CLAIM
Oral contraceptive pills are “the number one” cause of polycystic ovary syndrome; a combination of wild yam and castor oil can cure polycystic ovary syndrome and uterine fibroids

SOURCE: Barbara O’Neill, Instagram, YouTube

Published: 15 Aug 2024

VERDICT

Removing wisdom teeth reduces risk of oral infections, doesn’t cause heart issues

CLAIM
Wisdom teeth are meridian lines connected to the heart; removing them causes heart issues

SOURCE: Matt Roeske, Instagram, Facebook

Published: 14 Aug 2024

VERDICT

A cancerous tumor is a mass of cancer cells, not “toxins”; biopsies and mammograms don’t cause cancer

CLAIM
A tumor is a “bubble” of toxins from the body; "cancer is basically your friend"; biopsies and mammograms cause cancer

SOURCE: Leonard Coldwell, Facebook, iHealthTube, YouTube

Published: 09 Aug 2024

VERDICT

Calcium is an essential component of bones and helps prevent osteoporosis, contrary to claim by Barbara O’Neill

CLAIM
Bones “are not made of calcium”; wild yam is a treatment for osteoporosis

SOURCE: Barbara O’Neill, Facebook

Published: 05 Aug 2024

VERDICT

Studies show vaccines don’t cause sudden infant death syndrome

CLAIM
Vaccines cause SIDS

SOURCE: Social media users, Instagram

Published: 01 Aug 2024

VERDICT

Hashimoto’s disease is a thyroid disorder that can be treated by hormone replacement therapy, contrary to claim by influencer Gary Brecka

CLAIM
There is nothing wrong with the thyroid in patients with Hashimoto’s disease; vitamin B is a cure for Hashimoto’s disease

SOURCE: Gary Brecka, Facebook

Published: 30 Jul 2024

VERDICT

No evidence that “Dr. Sebi” could cure AIDS and other diseases using natural remedies or change in diet

CLAIM
Dr. Sebi could cure a wide range of diseases using natural remedies or change in diet.

SOURCE: Social media users, Facebook

Published: 26 Jul 2024

VERDICT