MANILA, Philippines 鈥� 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).
鈥淭he Philippine National Police has also debunked this message, confirming that it is a scare tactic with no factual basis,鈥� 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 鈥淔aculty of Medicine鈥� 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).
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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.
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鈥淭he DOH urges the public not to share unverified claims that may cause unnecessary alarm,鈥� the agency stressed.
鈥淔urther, the public is enjoined to source information only from legitimate sources and platforms such as the health department,鈥� it added.