Epidemiologist highlights surge of hantavirus misinformation after cruise ship outbreak

An outbreak of hantavirus tied to the cruise ship MV Hondius has generated serious health concerns, but online discussion has taken a different turn. Social media users quickly began sharing false claims about the disease, creating a wave of misinformation.

Katrine Wallace, an epidemiologist and professor, reported that her direct messages filled with screenshots of misleading posts. Among them were messages from a Texas doctor known for promoting ivermectin during Covid, who suggested the drug would also work for hantavirus, as well as worried parents and others seeking reassurance.

Wallace says her online following now functions like a distributed early‑warning system, alerting her to emerging false narratives before they spread widely. She is using this network to produce videos and explanations that counter the inaccurate claims and provide accurate public‑health information.