Thai Virologist Dismisses Norovirus Outbreak 'Fake News'

[webfact]

Dr. Yong. File photo courtesy: NNT

 

A wave of concern has swept through Thailand following rumours of an alleged norovirus outbreak. However, experts, including a leading virologist from Chulalongkorn University, are urging calm, labelling the reports as misinformation.

 

In a clarifying statement released via Facebook on Thursday, Dr Yong Poovorawan, who heads the Centre of Excellence in Clinical Virology, reassured the public that there is no cause for alarm.

 

Dr Yong, who has been researching noroviruses for over a decade, emphasised the natural diversity of the virus and its usual activity during cooler months. While norovirus incidents have been notably lower in recent years due to increased hygiene during the Covid-19 pandemic, Dr Yong noted a recent uptick as hygiene practices have become relaxed.

 

The chatter about a significant outbreak allegedly affecting Thai schools in early November gained momentum after being shared widely on social platforms. The post suggested the situation was dire, with claims of widespread sickness among students and staff. However, Dr Yong clarified that the referenced outbreak actually occurred in China, not Thailand, as social media posts mistakenly indicated.

 

"It's normal to see more norovirus cases during winter, similar to how we see increases in rotavirus cases. There's no need for panic," Dr Yong stated.

In a coordinated effort to dispel fears, the Department of Health also tackled claims regarding an outbreak in Rayong. Social media reports had suggested that 1,436 students and teachers fell ill after a sports day event in early November.

 

Officials were quick to label these claims as false, explaining that the actual culprit for the illness was identified as Escherichia coli, not norovirus. The department highlighted the importance of proper hygiene to prevent E. coli infections.

 

With public anxiety brewing over such unsubstantiated reports, authorities are urging citizens to verify information through trustworthy sources before accepting it as fact. The impact of misinformation can be costly, not just financially but in terms of unnecessary panic and disruption.

 

Despite the social media frenzy, it seems the real virus causing a stir is fake news. For the concerned Thai public, the message from health experts and officials is clear: keep calm, practice good hygiene, and always scrutinise the sources of your information, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2024-12-20

 

 

[ukrules]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Officials were quick to label these claims as false, explaining that the actual culprit for the illness was identified as Escherichia coli, not norovirus

 

Oh dear, E coli is far worse than Norovirus and is actually a bacteria and we all know where the majority of our E Coli resides, don't we?

 

[dinsdale]

What complete nonsense this is. Gastro basically. If you want to talk about making something from nothing this is a perfect example. Keep people in fear. This was the basis of the last four years. The gullible fall for it.