Through the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO), the EU supports a European network of factcheckers, including TheJournal in Ireland. For a monthly roundup of European factchecks, visit the main EDMO website. Here, we highlight recent pieces by TheJournal FactCheck team.
Debunked: The WHO has not said hantavirus is ‘spreading very fast across the world’
Published: 15 May – by Shane Raymond
Claims circulating online that the World Health Organization warned hantavirus was “spreading very fast across the world” are false. The outbreak remains limited to a small number of cases connected to a cruise ship, and the WHO has stated the overall public health risk remains low.
Debunked: There is no government scheme offering free cheese to recipients of a hantavirus vaccine
Published: 16 May – by Shane Raymond
A fake news-style image claiming the government would give free cheese to people receiving a hantavirus vaccine spread widely across social media platforms. The fact-check found there is no such scheme, and noted that there are currently no hantavirus vaccines licensed for use in Europe or the Americas.
Debunked: Posts misrepresent a routine honour given to the Iranian ambassador by the Vatican
Published: 17 May – by Shane Raymond
Social media posts falsely suggested Pope Leo XIV had made a political statement by honouring Iran’s ambassador amid tensions with the United States. In reality, the award was part of a routine Vatican ceremony in which 13 ambassadors received the same diplomatic honour.