THE Ministry of Health and Medical Services has urged people to be careful with what they share on social media about respiratory illnesses.
The warning follows the circulation of unverified claims about viruses, outbreaks, symptoms and treatments.
Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services Penioni Ravunawa said people should check information before sharing it with others.
“Misinformation can create unnecessary fear and confusion in our communities,” he said.
Mr Ravunawa said people should rely on information provided through official health channels.
‘The ministry will inform the public if there was a confirmed public health risk or a major change in the country’s health situation.”
He urged people not to forward messages simply because they had been shared widely on social media.
“People should check whether information came from a reliable health authority before believing or sharing it.”
He said they continued to monitor respiratory illnesses through its existing surveillance systems.
He said there was no need for panic and urged people to remain informed and follow basic health advice.
