Last Updated on July 17, 2020 by Team THIP
Quick Take
We received a WhatsApp forward in our helpline about a particular facebook post claiming that World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a circular saying Coronavirus is becoming less potent.
We investigated and found out that the said circular was not issued by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, an Italian doctor named Zangrillo has made the claim. WHO has in fact refuted the claim. We term this as mostly false.
The Claim
The Facebook post has a WHO logo and reads: “Covid-19 Losing potency. A study conducted by world health organisation (WHO) and world majer hospitals has found that covid-19 become weaker,harmles those who have been recently infected by cronavirus, symptoms shows there is no lethal the petient will suffer covid-19 easer than two months ago.” A snapshot of the WhatsApp message sent to our helpline is given below and an archived version of the Facebook post can be checked here.
Fact Check
Has World Health Organization (WHO) issued this statement?
No. WHO has clarified that they do not support the claim that the virus has become less potent now.
Furthermore, a deeper look at the shared image also shows multiple spelling mistakes proving that it was not an official release.
Who made the claim?
An Italian scientist, Alberto Zangrillo, head of the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan is said to have made the claim. The report of the claim was published by news agency Reuters (Source). However, in another report published by Reuters Zangrillo has denied making the claim saying, “We have never said that the virus has changed, we said that the interaction between the virus and the host has definitely changed.”
Was the claim valid?
WHO has refuted the claim. In an interaction with an International media house, WHO epidemiologist Maria Van Kerkhove has refuted the claim saying it lacked scientific evidence.
In a press conference, WHO has further clarified that they have no evidence that can support the fact that the virus has become weaker or stronger.
Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.
