The news that Paracetamol tablets contain Machupo virus is doing rounds on social media. On Facebook, many users are seen making posts about it and are saying, “URGENT WARNING! Be careful not to take the paracetamol that comes written P-500. It’s new, very white and shiny paracetamol. Doctors advise that it contains ”Machupo” virus, considered one of the most dangerous viruses in the world with high mortality rate. Please share this message for all people and families and save a life or lives …I’ve done my part, now it’s your turn …remember that God helps those who help others & themselves!”. Let’s try to analyze the claims made in the post.
Claim: Paracetamol P-500 pills contain ‘Machupo’ Virus.
Fact: Several Health Agencies and Medical associations across the globe have concluded that the news regarding Paracetamol P-500 pills containing ‘Machupo’ Virus is a hoax. Hence, the claim made in the post is FALSE.
When Googled for any news about Paracetamol tablets containing ‘Machupo virus’, an article in “The Hindu” terming such a viral message as false was found. According to the article, when ‘The Hindu’ approached experts, they were informed that there have been no cases of Machupo viruses recorded in India.
When looked for further information, it was found that such news is in circulation since 2017. Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has addressed this hoax alert when it made rounds there 3 years ago.
When the same news about the presence of Machupo virus in Paracetamol pills has spread in Malaysia, the country’s Health Ministry has confirmed it to be untrue.
To sum it up, the news that Paracetamol P-500 pills contain Machupo virus is just a hoax.
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