Claim reviews
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