DiYES International School – New Virus claims circulated widely on social media in October 2025, suggesting the Chinese government announced the emergence of a novel pathogen. Instagram users shared posts alleging sudden lockdowns and deployment of media teams to multiple regions. One popular post showed people wearing hazmat suits with a caption warning of a mysterious virus, urging rapid containment while claiming international experts were now on alert. The images and accompanying messages quickly went viral, garnering tens of thousands of likes and comments. Despite the rapid spread of this content, verification from credible sources revealed inconsistencies. Experts and fact-checkers began examining the claims, tracing images and information to prior events. This online misinformation highlights the continuing challenges posed by unverified health-related content circulating during times of public concern about infectious diseases and pandemic preparedness.
The New Virus story was thoroughly investigated using reverse image searches and credible media sources. Fact-checkers identified the images shared online as originating from a Reuters photograph taken in Beijing during a COVID-19 outbreak in November 2021. The photo showed security personnel in protective gear controlling a local outbreak, not a new pathogen in 2025. Chinese authorities had not issued any announcement regarding a novel virus, and global health organizations including the World Health Organization reported no new threats. Researchers confirmed that SARS-CoV-2 testing in late September and early October 2025 showed stable levels globally, with minor regional fluctuations but no emergence of unknown pathogens. The claim of sudden lockdowns and new virus alerts in October 2025 was therefore proven inaccurate. This incident underscores the importance of verifying health information before sharing it on social media platforms.
Even though the New Virus rumors were false, global health monitoring continues at a high pace. Between September 29 and October 5, 2025, WHO tested nearly 60,000 samples for SARS-CoV-2 from 79 countries, identifying a small percentage as positive. Case trends varied by region, with increases in areas of Central and South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Despite these fluctuations, global authorities maintained confidence in testing, treatment, and vaccination efforts. Health experts emphasized the effectiveness of current measures and advised that international cooperation remains critical. Countries closely monitored respiratory infections alongside COVID-19 activity, noting that most cases were mild. Meanwhile, China reported stable trends in southern provinces, with national healthcare services functioning normally. These observations demonstrated that accurate surveillance and transparency remain essential to maintaining public trust during global health crises.
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Images associated with the New Virus rumor played a major role in spreading fear online. Users on Instagram misrepresented a 2021 photo of a COVID-19 containment effort in Beijing as evidence of a new virus in October 2025. The photo included security personnel in protective suits and barricades around a residential area. This misrepresentation amplified anxiety among viewers and prompted social media users to speculate about sudden lockdowns and high-risk exposure. Analysts noted that visuals combined with alarming captions can exaggerate perception of danger. Public health experts stressed that images need to be contextualized with accurate information. By examining metadata and original news sources, fact-checkers traced the image to an outbreak of 31 COVID-19 cases in Dalian, Liaoning Province, in 2021, proving no new pathogen had emerged.
Current viral activity in China and globally remains closely monitored without signs of new pathogens. Health authorities report sporadic cases of SARS-CoV-2 but maintain that existing testing and treatment protocols are effective. In China, mild COVID-19 cases in southern provinces show no strain on hospitals, and essential services continue without disruption. Experts emphasize that zoonotic disease threats persist worldwide, but rapid containment, surveillance, and vaccination keep risks manageable. International cooperation allows early detection and intervention, reducing the likelihood of widespread outbreaks. The spread of misinformation about the New Virus underscores the critical need for public reliance on credible sources and official statements. Correct information allows nations to respond appropriately without unnecessary panic.
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Writer: Sarah Azhari
Editor: Anisa
