
Global leaders and business executives recently convened at the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) annual meeting in Davos. The event, attended by over three thousand participants, served as a platform for discussions on a range of topics, including the Middle East, artificial intelligence, and the economy, according to Reuters.
However, amidst the legitimate news surrounding the WEF meeting, a false claim has emerged, stating that the WEF has declared the release of “Disease X” upon the public by 2025, with devastating consequences for humanity. This claim originated from an article published on “The People’s Voice,” a website notorious for spreading fake news.
It is important to note that “The People’s Voice” has a history of promoting false information and has been known by other names, such as “NewsPunch” and “YourNewsWire.” A 2019 article from Mashable categorizes the website as one of the most prominent purveyors of fake news online. A liability disclaimer on their “Terms of Use” page further emphasizes their lack of credibility.
While the article on “The People’s Voice” mentions a panel discussion on “Disease X” at the WEF meeting in Davos, it misrepresents the situation. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies “Disease X” as an unknown pathogen with the potential to cause a severe international epidemic. The WHO included it in their list of potential epidemics in 2017. However, there is no indication from the WEF or any credible source that “Disease X” will be unleashed upon the public by 2025.
Additionally, the article from “The People’s Voice” falsely attributes a claim to The Mirror, a UK-based outlet, stating that “Disease X” will emerge in 2025. However, The Mirror has not made such a claim. Rather, they reported that “Disease X” is expected to be twenty times deadlier than COVID-19.
It is crucial to rely on reputable sources for accurate information, especially when it comes to public health. False claims, such as the one propagated by “The People’s Voice,” only serve to spread misinformation and create unnecessary panic. By exercising critical thinking and verifying information from trustworthy sources, we can ensure that we are well-informed and equipped to face any real health challenges that may arise.