Infodemic: How an Epidemic of Misinformation Could Lead to a High Number of the Novel Corona Virus Disease Cases in Uganda
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Date
2020
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Preprints
Abstract
Misinformation during the COVID-19 outbreak has shaped our perception of the disease. Some people thinkthe disease is a bioweapon while others are convinced that it is a hoax. Heightened anxiety often producesfearful rumors, some of which are absurd while others seem plausible and are laced with some truths. But, how does misinformation affect disease spread? In this paper, we construct a mathematical model parameterized by Ugandan data, to study the effect of misinformation on community COVID-19 spread. The analysis shows that misinformation leads to high number of COVID-19 cases in a community, and the effect is highest in the rumour initiators and spreaders. This analysis underscores the importance of addressing misinformation in COVID risk communication.
Description
Keywords
infodemic; misinformation; COVID-19
Citation
Nannyonga, B. K., Wanyenze, R. K., Kaleebu, P., Ssenkusu, J. M., Sengooba, F., Lutalo, T., ... & Woldermariam, Y. T. (2020). Infodemic: How an epidemic of misinformation could lead to a high number of the novel corona virus disease cases in Uganda. (doi: 10.20944/preprints202006.0009.v1).