From The Straits Times · · 50s
Unproven Cures Spur Online Panic
Russia plague scare pushes North America to buy unproven $300 kits.
In brief
Russia plague scare pushes North America to buy unproven $300 kits. Social media posts urge North American buyers to purchase $300 'cure' kits after unconfirmed Russian plague death reports. Originally reported by The Straits Times.
Unconfirmed Russian plague death
Reports say a woman employed at a plague research institute in Russia’s Irkutsk region died from the disease.
“A security official looking out from the door of an infectious diseases hospital in the town of Shelekhov, where an employee of the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute is said to have died from the disease”
Social media pushes $300 kits
Influencers urge North Americans to buy US$300 kits before a potential plague crisis.
“Don’t wait until everybody is scrambling. Prepare before you need it”
Wellness Company promotes kits
The Wellness Company brand, fronted by cardiologist Peter McCullough, promoted kits with doxycycline and ivermectin.
“The company is fronted by Peter McCullough, an American cardiologist who has promoted Covid-19 conspiracies and health misinformation debunked by AFP”
Experts warn against kits
Infectious disease specialists say North America does not need plague treatment kits.
“We know how to treat it, but taking antibiotics without known exposure is risky”
Ivermectin misuse risks
Ivermectin is not approved for bacterial diseases and may cause antibiotic resistance.
“You’re altering the microbiome of your gut, and perhaps creating antibiotic resistant bacteria in your body”
Historical health misinformation
Past health scares saw similar unproven solutions promoted online.
“Whenever there is a crisis, especially in the health space, the grifters are gonna come out”
What to remember
Social media posts urge North American buyers to purchase $300 'cure' kits after unconfirmed Russian plague death reports.
