Everytime something scary happens, Whatsapp messages spread, providing partial / no truths about the topic. The messages reach far and wide and often the genuine advises of learned doctors and physicians gets lost in the deluge of messages pushed by people with little knowledge. Nipah Virus is their latest favourite topic and “Whatsapp doctors” are happily adding oil to the fire.
see also: Nipah virus: Two more persons died in Kerala, more people in observation
Most messages are about abandoning fruits. Of course, we understand bats to be the major carriers of virus and they often gets a bite out of the fruits, but Whatsapp messages are asking to quit eating fruits and vegetables completely including mangoes and jackfruits. The messages are part speculations, part truth and part imagination, but readers have a tough time separating them. There are also messages to stop using water from the well.
Some messages have chosen to hit the other extreme though. They say Nipah is not something to be scared and that everything is manipulated by the pharmaceuticals to sell their medicines.
Indian Medical Association has requested people not to entertain such messages and be mislead. Dr Sreejith N Kumar, member of I.M.A Central Working Committee has asked for strict actions against the source of such messages.
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