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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Conspiracy Theories And Ebola: Lessons Learned Important For Future Pandemics, Shawn C. Smallman
Conspiracy Theories And Ebola: Lessons Learned Important For Future Pandemics, Shawn C. Smallman
International & Global Studies Faculty Publications and Presentations
The public health campaign against Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo faced serious challenges, some due to conspiracy theories and denial. These beliefs were so powerful that they even caused repeated attacks upon health care providers and medical centers. These conspiracy theories were nothing new, as they are a common feature of all frightening epidemics, such as HIV and COVID-19. These narratives also circulated during the 2015 West African Ebola outbreak. Addressing conspiracy theories during an epidemic requires a coordinated campaign involving not only local leaders but also the cooperation of social media organizations
Conspiracy Theories And The Zika Epidemic, Shawn Smallman
Conspiracy Theories And The Zika Epidemic, Shawn Smallman
International & Global Studies Faculty Publications and Presentations
After a Zika outbreak began in Brazil in April 2015, narratives blamed the virus on a variety of international actors, including chemical companies and the Gates Foundation. Many of these narratives drew upon older conspiracy theories that had circulated in Latin America during the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic. Whether these narratives denounced transgenic mosquitoes or pesticides, they reflected not only the fear created by a mysterious wave of birth defects but also a profound mistrust of health authorities and transnational corporations. This paper will examine the narratives that circulated on YouTube, blogs, podcasts, and other alternative media sources, which typically …