Various attempts to raise public awareness using new technology are frequently seen across social media platforms these days.
However, sharing unverified information on social media can create unnecessary public fear. Below is a fact-check we conducted regarding one such false claim.
Social Media Posts :
“Disturbing news from Ratnapura! Please pay attention to this for the safety of your children. ‘Meningitis’ (brain fever) is reportedly spreading among schoolchildren in Ratnapura these days. According to health authorities, although the situation is currently reported only from Ratnapura, it is important for parents across Sri Lanka to be aware of it.”
A video created using artificial intelligence circulated on social media, claiming: “This video clearly explains the symptoms and the safety precautions that should be taken to protect children. Please share this valuable video for the safety of children!”
The video was also widely shared through WhatsApp.
Following several requests to verify whether “brain fever” was actually spreading in the Ratnapura area, we conducted a fact-check into the claim.
Fact-Check :
Encephalitis and meningitis, commonly referred to as “brain fever” in general usage, are serious medical conditions caused by infections affecting the brain or the protective membranes surrounding the brain. These diseases are mainly classified based on the type of microorganism causing the infection and the body’s reaction to it.
We first examined whether...
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