Posts shared widely on Facebook falsely claim that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has classified monkeypox virus as an “airborne” virus, that the disease is a form of herpes, that infection lasts for months, and that it can cause paralysis.

The false posts, containing an image bearing a BBC News logo and a source line crediting the information to the World Health Organization, include the claim, “CDC has now classified this disease as airborne and anyone within 15 feet can catch it.” (here) (here).

The images have been shared nearly 1,400 times and garnered comments including, “How true is this I need answers??” Another reads, in part, “They trying to scare us to take more vaccine shots. Only way it can spread is through contact from someone who has it , kissing,sex, cuddling.”

The BBC did not make the graphic, a spokesperson confirmed to Reuters, adding that users are urged to “check the veracity of stories” attributed to the news agency on the official BBC News website (www.bbc.com/news).

The CDC also has not designated monkeypox a virus that spreads by “airborne” transmission. Current CDC guidance on the agency’s website, updated July 29, 2022, describes the ways the virus can spread from person-to-person (here).

Transmission is mainly by skin-to-skin contact, and “direct contact with monkeypox rash, scabs, or body fluids from a person with monkeypox,” according to CDC. “Touching objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels), and surfaces...

Read Full Story: https://www.reuters.com/article/factcheck-monkeypox-bbc-airborne/fact-check-f...