Daijiworld Media Network - Chittoor (SHP)
Chittoor, Feb 15: In an incident that underscores the dangers of circulating fake news, a man from Andhra Pradesh took his life after convincing himself that he had contracted the deadly Coronavirus, based merely on a forward.
According to a report by The News Minute (TNM), 54-year-old Balakrishnayya from Thottambedu village in Andhra Pradesh felt sure that he had contracted Coronavirus, having allegedly read several messages and bulletins about the rapidly spreading virus, and committed suicide so as not to spread the disease to others.
Balakrishnayya’s death revealed the tragic consequences of sharing unverified messages and other articles with false information.
There was one such WhatsApp message which stated that Coronavirus had been detected in chickens in Bengaluru. The message also urged people to refrain from consuming poultry. However, Dr G Devegowda, president of the Institution of Veterinarians of Poultry Industry, asserted that the message was untrue.
"From a scientific and medical point of view, whether it is in India or elsewhere, the virus does not spread from chicken. Please do not forward or share such messages," Dr Devegowda said.
TNM also reported that in Kerala, messages claiming that drinking alcohol and eating non-vegetarian food could prevent people from coronavirus were circulated. Although there have been strict orders from the state health minister K K Shailaja against those who spread fake news, the messages continue to spread.
To avoid panic and anxiety, Dr Chennaya, Chittoor district medical and health officer told TNM, "The first thing is to check with local government bodies about what safety campaigns are going on. Health officials in all districts are frequently being given updates and are conducting awareness campaigns for the benefit of the public. If you listen to the information that is being given during these awareness programs, it will help you have a better idea of what measures to take to keep yourself healthy."
However, if someone receives a message that is a cause for concern, the individual can reach out on helpline numbers provided by the government, Chennaya said.
Additionally reporting the spread of such messages to authorities can also aid in reducing fear.
As of Thursday, over 60,000 individuals around the world in over 28 countries have tested positive for Covid-19, with over 1,300 deaths reported. Most of the cases have been reported from China.
Three cases were confirmed in India in the state of Kerala. One of these individuals was discharged earlier on Thursday and placed under home quarantine after test results returned negative for the virus following treatment. The other two are also said to be stable and improving.