Why uncertainty about coronavirus breeds opportunity for misinformation

Americans right now face a dual challenge: to protect themselves and others from the new illness COVID-19, which is highly contagious and potentially deadly, as well as from the dangers of misinformation about the virus.

Because so much is still unknown about the disease, disseminating perfectly accurate information about its spread and symptoms has proved challenging for public health officials around the world. As scientific knowledge about the threat has evolved, so has the guidance by officials.

“Uncertainty is inherent to the problem,” said Kate Starbird, an associate professor at...