Alerts
The alerts on these pages are based on the monitoring of publicly available data. While some alerts reference false claims, others are included to indicate gaps in knowledge, concerns, speculation, and other trending narratives. Inclusion in reporting is based on reach and velocity of spread and on whether conversations may impact health behaviors and decisions.
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Meta CEO’s testimony sparks debate about teen mental health and social media
Medium Impact
On February 18, the CEO of Meta, which owns Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, and Threads, testified in a landmark trial. The…
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Surgeon General nominee reignites myths about vaccines
High Impact
During a February 25 Senate confirmation hearing, surgeon general nominee Casey Means was questioned about her past misleading and inaccurate…
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States sue over CDC’s overhauled vaccine schedule, fueling online debate
Medium Impact
On February 24, 15 states sued the Trump Administration over recent changes to the CDC’s childhood immunization schedule and the…
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Debate erupts over a child hospitalized with a severe measles complication
Medium Impact
The story of an unvaccinated South Carolina boy hospitalized with measles encephalitis (brain inflammation) since late January has drawn international…
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EPA revokes landmark climate change finding, triggering criticism and a lawsuit
High Impact
On February 12, the Environmental Protection Agency revoked its 2009 scientific finding that greenhouse gases—released from burning fossil fuels—endanger human…
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State bills targeting school vaccine requirements draw national attention
Medium Impact
Following changes to the CDC’s childhood vaccine schedule, some groups opposing vaccines are advocating to end vaccination requirements nationwide. These…
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Maryland mumps cases spark conversation about vaccine hesitancy
Low Impact
According to reporting from the Baltimore Banner, Maryland health officials sent a letter to health care professionals about a recent…
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AAP childhood vaccine schedule drives debate about safety and necessity
Medium Impact
On January 26, the American Academy of Pediatrics released an updated childhood vaccine schedule. The guidance is largely unchanged from…
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Lead CDC vaccine adviser’s comments on vaccine requirements spark concern
Medium Impact
In a January 22 podcast interview, the chair of the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee stated his opinion that all vaccines…
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Posts discuss climate change and AI following a UN report on “water bankruptcy”
Low Impact
A January 20 United Nations report suggests that the planet has entered an era of “water bankruptcy.” The report states…
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Extreme cold fuels online conversations about safety and climate change
Low Impact
As many U.S. states experience extreme cold and snow, some social media users are discussing severe weather events and their…
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Posts debate natural immunity as South Carolina’s measles outbreak expands
Medium Impact
On January 20, South Carolina health officials confirmed 88 new measles cases over the weekend, bringing the state’s total to…
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Child flu deaths spark concern about low vaccine uptake
Medium Impact
Online posts continue to debate the effectiveness and safety of flu vaccines amid reports of unvaccinated children dying and being…
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Experts and parents express concern as CDC overhauls childhood vaccine schedule
High Impact
On January 5, the CDC reduced the number of vaccines it recommends for children from 17 to 11. The change…
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Surge in flu cases fuels debate about vaccine effectiveness
Medium Impact
Over the winter holiday, online conversations about influenza and annual flu vaccination surged as severe cases and hospitalizations rose nationwide.…
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Experts decry fentanyl’s designation as a “weapon of mass destruction”
Low Impact
On December 15, President Donald Trump signed an executive order designating fentanyl a weapon of mass destruction. Drug Enforcement Administration…