Claims that the water in Rio is contaminated with a dangerous virus that causes cardiac arrest in children are false and have been debunked multiple times since 2020.
Recent claims circulating on WhatsApp alleging that the water supply in Rio de Janeiro is contaminated with a virus that can cause cardiac arrest in children have been proven to be false. The misinformation was propelled by a video featuring a man who repeats statements made by a woman claiming that Fiocruz, a prominent health institution in Brazil, is withholding critical information from the public. This type of misinformation has been a recurring issue, with similar claims having surfaced and been debunked as far back as 2020.
The false message attributes dangerous properties to this supposed virus, suggesting it is "stronger than a virus designed to kill" and claiming it poses imminent risk to children in the region. Such statements can induce panic and misinformation among the population, and it is crucial to debunk these myths as they arise. Fiocruz and fact-checking platforms have previously addressed these same rumors, but the persistence of such fake news indicates a need for continued public education on health-related information.
Ultimately, the spread of false information like this not only undermines trust in health institutions but also potentially endangers public health by causing unnecessary fear. Authorities and media are encouraged to work together to ensure that accurate information is disseminated and that communities are equipped to critically assess the validity of such alarming claims that can circulate on social media and messaging apps.
