Missouri State DHSS Hotline 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.  877-435-8411
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DPH COVID-19 Update 4/12/2020

In a very short time, the information available on COVID-19 went from non-existent to overload. Simultaneously, the demand for information pertaining to this rapidly evolving pandemic is now tremendous. Therefore, it is critical that we consume and share information from reputable sources, with the understanding that there are still many unknowns.

  • Apr 12, 2020
  • News & Updates

St. Louis County Department of Public Health COVID-19 Update April 12, 2020

 

Rumor Control and Misinformation During a Pandemic

In a very short time, the information available on COVID-19 went from non-existent to overload. Simultaneously, the demand for information pertaining to this rapidly evolving pandemic is now tremendous. Therefore, it is critical that we consume and share information from reputable sources, with the understanding that there are still many unknowns.

A few examples of misinformation are:

  • 5G cell phone technology causes COVID-19. [In fact, it does not.]
  • Eating garlic will not prevent you from contracting COVID-19. [Although it is a healthy food with some antimicrobial properties, no evidence exists to support this.]
  • Using hand sanitizer on fruits and vegetables prevents them from transferring COVID-19 to you. [Do not do this. According to the CDC, “it seems unlikely that COVID-19 can be transmitted through food – additional investigation is needed.”]
  • Mosquitoes and ticks can spread COVID-19. [At this time, CDC has no data to suggest that this new coronavirus or other similar coronaviruses are spread by mosquitoes or ticks. The main way that COVID-19 spreads is from person to person.]

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) created a “rumor control” page on their website, which can be found here. The State of Missouri is within Region VII of FEMA, along with Iowa, Kansas, and Nebraska.

Contact Information

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services hotline can be reached at (877) 435-8411.

St. Louis County has created a website dedicated to the dissemination of information relating to COVID-19, stlcorona.com. Please visit that website or those belonging to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO) for the most current and reputable information.