Misinformation related to the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic

After the initial outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), conspiracy theories, misinformation, and disinformation emerged regarding the origin, scale, prevention, treatment, and other aspects of the disease.[1][2][3][4] Disinformation and misinformation can be spread through social media,[3][5] text messages,[6][7] as well as the state media of countries such as China, Iran and Turkmenistan,[3][8][9] and they may be propagated by celebrities, politicians, or other prominent public figures.[10][11] Medical misinformation about ways to prevent, treat, and self-diagnose coronavirus disease has circulated on social media.[12] Some false claims may be commercial scams offering at-home tests, supposed preventives, and "miracle" cures.[13][14] The World Health Organization has declared an "infodemic" of incorrect information about the virus, which poses risks to global health.[3]