tiger go DOH: Social media post on ‘HIV-infected’ needles in blood tests is fake

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) warned the public against a false social media post claiming that needles used in blood tests were contaminated with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

“The Philippine National Police has also debunked this message, confirming that it is a scare tactic with no factual basis,” the DOH said in an advisory.

The DOH shared a screenshot of the social media post, which claimed that individuals introducing themselves as members of a certain “Faculty of Medicine” were visiting homes to offer blood sugar tests. The social media material also claimed that the needles used in the blood sugar tests were contaminated with HIV, which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: DOH warns vs fake public health news

FEATURED STORIES NEWSINFO Gatchalian: INC rally will make pols ‘think twice’ on VP Duterte NEWSINFO ‘Simulated’ drug bust: 30 PNP men charged NEWSINFO Rep. Castro says INC rally a move to shield VP Sara Duterte

The screenshot of the social media post that spreads false information, according to the Department of Health (DOH). The agency appeals to the public not to share unverified claims that may cause unnecessary alarm. It also urged the public to to source information only from legitimate sources and platforms.

READ: HIV cases in PH may reach 215,400 before 2024 ends – DOH

“The DOH urges the public not to share unverified claims that may cause unnecessary alarm,” the agency stressed.

Article continues after this advertisement

“Further, the public is enjoined to source information only from legitimate sources and platforms such as the health department,” it added.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

The Scandinavian country has seen two years of sluggish economic growth as it battled high inflation.

SIGN ME UP

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.tiger go

READ NEXT Bohol town under state of calamity due to ASF Pagasa: Cool weather, rain in parts of PH Jan 11 EDITORS' PICK Eastern Samar town gets first river ambulance Shear line to trigger heavy rains in parts of Luzon, Visayas Moderate to intense rainfall alert up in areas in Luzon and Visayas Fil-Ams grapple with devastating LA fires: ‘It’s like an apocalypse’ 9⁰C-level temperature seen for Baguio, upland Luzon in February Ivana Alawi says Los Angeles home was nearly destroyed in fires MOST READ Greenhills Shopping Center stays on US watch list Tolentino backs INC peace rally Rep. Castro says INC rally a move to shield VP Sara Duterte 'Pepsi Paloma' script handed by emissary to Vic Sotto's 'sibling who's a senator' Follow @FMangosingINQ on Twitter --> View comments