Lay media reporting of monkeypox in Nigeria

Letter to the editor: Headline stress disorder caused by Netnews during the outbreak of COVID‐19

“…5 Subsequently, media reports from unauthorized sources during the ongoing monkeypox outbreak in Nigeria were sensationalized and led to increased anxiety in the population. 6 The result of this type of coverage could lead to stress and panic among the general public. This is an important issue because concerns about media coverage during a health crisis may likely re-emerge.…”

Ensuring appropriate reporting and surveillance of monkeypox cases in Nigeria

“…For instance, when the first cases of human monkeypox were reported in Nigeria, the media exaggerated the symptoms and the impact of the virus, by using unverified pictures of people with skin rashes. The media even branded the outbreak 'a new airborne Ebola' 7 , leading to a lack of trust in the media. Subsequent information regarding the outbreak was not believed to be true eventually.…”

“…During the outbreak in 2017, conflicting reports were reported by the media regarding preventive measures against the virus. This resulted in skepticism amongst the general population about messages on health prevention 7 . The rumor that the Nigeria military was responsible for injecting school children with the monkeypox virus, as reported by the media, led to the closure of schools 7 .…”

“…This resulted in skepticism amongst the general population about messages on health prevention 7 . The rumor that the Nigeria military was responsible for injecting school children with the monkeypox virus, as reported by the media, led to the closure of schools 7 . It is therefore imperative to shift the role of the media from one that is disruptive to one that performs a role of a partner in containing and stopping the spread 8 .…”

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“…According to Smith and Smith (2016), early measures such as early closure of schools and late opening of schools contributed immensely to the fight against EVD in Nigeria. When monkey pox was recorded in the country, Oyebanji et al (2019) argue that though the media reported the new disease, their information only emphasised the number of cases, deaths, new cases and government's responses. However, their stories were marred with 'inaccurate, sensationalised or misleading stories' that could 'hinder actions to safeguard health.'…”