Last Updated on May 26, 2022 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A post shared on Facebook claims that Monkeypox is a biological warfare waged by the government. We fact checked and found this claim to be False.
The Claim
In a video shared on Facebook, the text overlaid on the video reads: “It’s a Bio war against us by our governments !!”
A person shows two books. The first book is entitled “Biological Warfare: Pathogen Perspectives;” the second is called “Handbook of Chemical and Biological Warfare Agents.” The person opens both the books to a page about the monkeypox.
A voice in the video claims:
“Folks, this is a war on us by them. Do not comply. Do not fall into yet another trap.”
Fact Check
What is monkeypox?
According to the WHO, “Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis (a virus transmitted to humans from animals) with symptoms similar to those seen in the past in smallpox patients, although it is clinically less severe. Clinically, the symptoms are fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. It may also lead to a range of medical complications. It is usually a self-limited disease with symptoms lasting from 2 to 4 weeks. Severe cases can occur. The case fatality ratio has been around 3–6% in recent times. It is transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected person or animal, or with material contaminated with the virus.”
Are the books presented in the video claim that governments are waging biological war via monkeypox?
No. Both the books do not claim that the governments are waging biological war via monkeypox. They are enlisting the agents which have the potential to become a biological warfare pathogen. They also include various common disease pathogens such as dengue fever, smallpox, anthrax, etc.
Is Monkey Pox a biological warfare waged by governments?
No. There is no substantial evidence that proves that Monkey Pox is a biological warfare waged by the governments. Other than the books mentioned by the narrator, there is no proof in the video itself. It is not a new disease. According to the CDC, it was first discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research, hence the name ‘monkeypox.’
Therefore, the claim remains false until proven otherwise.
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