WEDNESDAY EDITION

Snopes Debunker

Aug. 21, 2024

Today: Mpox, 2024 DNC and Feral Cats in Disneyland

Mpox Isn't More Infectious for Gay and Bisexual Men

In mid-August 2024, the director-general of the World Health Organization declared mpox a "public health emergency of international concern" because of a growing number of cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo and other African nations. One social media user posted (archived) headlines about the spread of the disease between men and about cases in children in an attempt to imply a connection between homosexuality and pedophilia.

That post dredged up a claim about mpox that was shared widely back in 2022, when the virus spread outside of its endemic African range to areas it isn't normally reported in — including the United States and parts of Europe. It implied properties of mpox allow the virus to spread faster among men who have sex with men, or that gay and bisexual men are more susceptible to infection. That's not true. Snopes freelance writer Madison Dapcevich has the details.

Free Abortions, Vasectomies Offered in Chicago During 2024 DNC?

"Wow, the Democrats know how to throw a convention," someone commented on Reddit.

Taylor Swift Endorsed Trump in These Viral Images?

Former U.S. President Donald Trump shared images on Truth Social purportedly showing the pop star's support.

Disneyland Uses Feral Cats to Control Rodent Population?

These cats have reportedly been part of Disneyland since the 1950s, when they were supposedly discovered living in Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Real Video of Flamingos Feeding Chick Blood-Red Liquid?

“I was today years old when I discovered that flamingo feedings look like some satanic, sacrificial ritual,” one X user commented.

Staff Pick

Why Sunflowers in These Videos Don't Face the Sun

The turning behavior is called heliotropism, and scientists have known about it for quite a while.