Hundreds of people around the world have died due to COVID-19 misinformation, study claims

At least 800 people around the world have died as a consequence of misinformation about COVID-19, according to a newly published study.

The research, which appeared in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, found that over 5,800 people have been hospitalized after drinking highly concentrated alcohol.

A popular myth claims that the alcohol can “disinfect” the body and kill the virus.

About 60 people have been completely blinded by drinking methanol in an attempt to cure themselves of COVID-19, the study explained.

Rumours, which according to the research peaked in the middle of March, caused the most damage of all forms of misinformation.

They included false claims about the anti-coronavirus effects of eating garlic, keeping the throat moist, avoiding spicy food and taking vitamins C and D.

“In addition to food and vitamins to boost up immunity, some reports focused on the so-called treatments such as miracle mineral solutions that involved mixing sodium chlorite solution with citric acid or drinking bleach or alcohol for immunity and cures,” the study explained.

“Other reported rumours related to cures were drinking tea and cow urine or dung in India, camel urine with lime in Saudi Arabia, and medicinal plants in Africa.”

Much of the misinformation was spread on social media, the researchers said, but newspapers were also blamed.

The World Health Organization said there has been an “infodemic” accompanying the COVID-19 pandemic, with conspiracy theories and falsehoods spreading around the globe.

Read the full study here.