COVID-19 Misinformation Linked to Hundreds of Deaths, Study Finds

In a stark revelation from recent research, at least 800 people are believed to have died worldwide in the first quarter of this year due to misinformation related to COVID-19. The primary cause of these fatalities was the consumption of harmful substances like methanol and alcohol-based cleaning products, which victims incorrectly believed would cure or prevent the virus.

Experts caution that the true death toll may be significantly higher, as data from countries like Iran—where many methanol poisoning incidents occurred—remains difficult to verify. The World Health Organization (WHO) has previously warned that the “infodemic” surrounding COVID-19 has spread as rapidly as the virus itself, with deadly consequences.

The research highlights how seemingly credible but false medical advice has led to fatal outcomes. Some victims consumed excessive amounts of garlic or vitamins in misguided attempts to ward off infection. Others ingested substances like cow urine, believing in their protective properties. Such actions had “potentially serious implications” for their health, according to the study’s authors.

Beyond individual fatalities, the social impact of misinformation has been devastating. In India, online rumors have triggered mob attacks, while in Iran, mass poisonings have been reported. In the UK and elsewhere, telecommunications engineers have faced threats and violence, with cell phone towers being set ablaze due to conspiracy theories linking 5G technology to the virus—unfounded claims that gained traction through social media platforms.

The digital landscape has also become fertile ground for scammers exploiting the pandemic. Some sell ineffective protective devices claiming to ward off the virus, while others market dangerous products such as diluted bleach, described as a “mineral miracle supplement” to vulnerable and frightened consumers.

The researchers emphasized that international agencies, governments, and social media companies bear responsibility for combating this infodemic. However, tech companies have faced criticism for their inconsistent and often delayed responses to dangerous misinformation. In the UK, meaningful regulation addressing online harm may still be years away, leaving platforms largely self-policing during a critical public health emergency.

As the world moves closer to developing effective vaccines against COVID-19, health officials express growing concern about the threat posed by anti-vaccine misinformation. Despite efforts by social media companies to remove or label misleading content about vaccines, recent polling in the United States revealed that 28% of Americans believe the conspiracy theory that Bill Gates intends to use vaccines to implant microchips in people.

Medical experts consulted by the BBC’s anti-disinformation team warn that such unfounded beliefs could seriously undermine vaccination efforts. Even with scientifically validated vaccines, widespread adoption—necessary for achieving community immunity—may be jeopardized if significant portions of the population refuse vaccination based on conspiracy theories and misinformation.

The continued spread of health misinformation represents a secondary crisis running parallel to the pandemic itself. Without coordinated action from technology platforms, governments, and health authorities to address false information, the human cost will likely continue to rise, potentially hampering global recovery efforts and prolonging the public health emergency.

As societies navigate both the virus and the accompanying wave of misinformation, the research underscores the urgent need for improved digital literacy and more robust fact-checking mechanisms to protect vulnerable populations from dangerous and potentially deadly falsehoods.