In late 2019, the largest coronavirus outbreak to date was identified in Wuhan, China.

Three conspiracy theories have been highlighted. One theory proposes that the virus was

engineered in a laboratory for use as a biological weapon. The second theory mentions that

COVID-19 poses a similar level of risk as the seasonal flu. The final theory and most interesting

talks about the vaccine used for this virus suggest that it alters your genetic material.

The first conspiracy theory proposes that the virus was created in a lab as a bioweapon.

According to research published in Nature Medicine, “Our analyses clearly show that SARS-

CoV-2 is not a laboratory construct or a purposefully manipulated virus” (Andersen et al.). A

separate report states it is noted that the transmission of the virus from bats to humans through

another animal is “the most likely scenario, and that a lab leak is ‘extremely unlikely” (AP).

However, some people counter these scientific findings by arguing that SARS-CoV-2 was

intentionally engineered in a laboratory due to its unusual genetic traits and the secrecy

surrounding lab research. In a recent report, ABC News stated, “The news that the U.S.

Department of Energy now believes with low confidence’ that the COVID-19 pandemic ‘most

likely’ was the result of a laboratory leak in China, resulted in a firestorm of debate across the

internet”. This reflects the ongoing controversy surrounding the origins of the virus. However,

scientific evidence strongly suggests that the lab creation theory is extremely unlikely and lacks

factual support.The second conspiracy theory suggests that COVID-19 is no more dangerous than the flu. “The case-fatality rate in COVID-19 appears to be higher than in seasonal influenza” (Paltiel et

al. 3625). "But COVID-19 and seasonal flu are not the same thing. Different viruses cause them.

Each illness has its own treatment" (Mayo Clinic). It is widely claimed that COVID-19 and the

flu share similar symptoms and can often be mistaken for one another, which has led to a

common misperception that COVID-19 may no longer be a serious virus and may even be

considered less severe than influenza (AHCA/NCAL). Research demonstrates that COVID-19 is

significantly more dangerous than the flu, contradicting the conspiracy theory.

The last conspiracy theory claims the vaccine used for this virus alters your DNA.

"The claim? COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are 'contaminated' with residual DNA, which could

integrate into human DNA and potentially cause cancer, or even 'turbo cancer'" (Global Vaccine

Data Network). Despite prevalent fears circulating on social media that vaccines may alter an

individual's DNA, research clarifies that vaccines work by introducing a harmless fragment of a

specific bacteria or virus, which then stimulates the body’s immune response to help combat

illness (BBC News; MedlinePlus). Therefore, this theory is clearly unfounded and lacks

scientific support. In response, people have created conspiracy theories about the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, China. The first conspiracy theory is an assertion that COVID-19 was deliberately

engineered as a biological weapon for use in warfare. Another conspiracy theory suggests that

the severity of COVID-19 is exaggerated and that it is similar to the flu. The final conspiracy

theory states that the mRNA vaccine can change a person’s genes. Clear communication of

studies can fix these misconceptions. Studies show SARS‑CoV‑2 is not a lab‑made virus, andthat SARS‑CoV‑2 likely came from animals. Educating the public on these points is essential to

foster trust in vaccination efforts and for addressing the spread of misinformation.