CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

As coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread around the globe, the scientific community has responded by conducting and providing unprecedented access to research studies related to COVID-19.

Early in the course of the pandemic, researchers noticed the spread of misinformation, conspiracy theories, and unverified information about COVID-19, which has taken the form of false/fabricated content and true information presented in misleading ways. This deluge of information has introduced confusion among the public in terms which sources of information are trustworthy, despite the open conduct of epidemiological research and other scientific work on COVID-19.

Misinformation become more prominent few months after the outbreak of the virus through several medias . Research on misinformation and conspiratorial thinking has burgeoned in recent years.   Result of association with belief in misinformation has produced varying, and sometimes inconsistent, findings. The endorsement of misinformation has been found to vary across socio-demographic groups.

The global spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been mirrored by diffusion of misinformation and conspiracy theories about its origins (such as 5G cellular networks) and the motivations of preventive measures like vaccination, social distancing, and face masks (for example, as a political ploy).

These beliefs have resulted in substantive, negative real-world outcomes but remain largely unstudied. Due to misinformation, most people (especially in Africa) became more skeptical about the disease in the early months of 2020 and 2022 when the disease become more dangerous to human lives.

COVID-19 is the first of its kind during this modern age of technology. Past pandemics have similarly affected millions, but constant media coverage regarding COVID-19 has placed this crisis at the forefront of our hearts and minds. The pandemic has become the backdrop for a political battle, with leaders clashing over public policy as well as interpretations of medicine. Providers are overwhelmed by an onslaught of medical literature, along with pressure from the media and the community to navigate the unknown with precision.

Likewise, the public is bombarded with information from often unreliable sources. Misinformation is a powerfully destructive force in this era of global communication, when one false idea can spread instantly to many vulnerable ears.

The deadly nature of COVID 19 and misinformation force most state governments to implement rules punishable if violated by any one.

1.2 A Brief History Of Covid 19

The COVID-19 pandemic, also known as the coronavirus pandemic, is an ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) . The novel virus was first identified in an outbreak in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December 2019. Attempts to contain it there failed, allowing the virus to spread to other areas of Asia and later worldwide.

The World Health Organization (W,H,O) declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern on 30 January 2020, and a pandemic on 11 March 2020. As of 10 March 2023, the pandemic had caused more than 676 million cases and 6.88 million confirmed deaths, making it one of the deadliest in history. COVID-19 symptoms range from undetectable to deadly, but most commonly include fever, dry cough, and fatigue.

Severe illness is more likely in elderly patients and those with certain underlying medical conditions. COVID-19 transmits when people breathe in air contaminated by droplets and small airborne particles containing the virus. The risk of breathing these in is highest when people are in close proximity, but they cannot be inhaled over longer distances, particularly indoors. Transmission can also occur if contaminated fluids reach the eyes, nose or mouth.

1.3 Problem Of The Statement

Since the outbreak of covid-19, the virus has been a deadly disease all over the globe. The problem is why misinformation despite the deadly nature of the virus.

1.4 Research Questions

1.4.1 Main research question

What is the source of misinformation about COVID-19?

1.4.2 Subsidiary Research Questions.

1. What measures are implemented to combat COVID-19 in Cameroon?
2. How can COVID-19 be prevented?

Check out: Law Project Topics with Materials