On May 17, the World Health Organization declared a public health emergency in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighboring Uganda due to an active Ebola outbreak that has killed more than 130 people. Days earlier, health officials in Connecticut announced the state’s first case of clade I mpox in a person who recently traveled to Western Europe. In response to the news, some online commenters expressed fatigue over reports of outbreaks and cases of infectious disease, with many anticipating a new pandemic. Several posts reflected confusion about how certain viral diseases spread, who is at risk, and what distinguishes an outbreak from a pandemic. A far-right conspiracy theorist promoted viral posts accusing scientists at federal health agencies of planning to “unleash Ebola” to influence the 2026 midterm election. Meanwhile, some posts resurfaced the false claim that COVID-19 vaccines weaken the immune system and cause an mpox-like rash.
Recommendation
Reports of infectious disease cases and outbreaks may cause concern or even panic, particularly as some federal health authorities are no longer viewed as reliable sources of accurate information to counter false and misleading claims. Health communicators may explain that public health officials monitor the spread of infectious diseases in the U.S. and globally, allowing them to alert the public to potential and active outbreaks. Messaging may emphasize that the general American public is not at risk from Ebola and mpox. Informational materials may explain that a safe and effective mpox vaccine is available for people at higher risk of infection, including people who have recently traveled to or had intimate contact with someone who recently traveled to regions experiencing mpox outbreaks.
Fact-checking sources: WHO, FactCheck.org
Communication resources: Read communication talking points about mpox
