The AstraZeneca jab did not contain Monkeypox
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, has become a significant global health issue. In the midst of this crisis, a false claim has circulated online, alleging that the recent Mpox outbreak is actually caused by the AstraZeneca vaccine. Such claims have circulated multiple times, provoking a range of reactions and comments from social media users around the globe.
This is about our investigation of this claim.
Social Media Claim
Some social media users are disseminating false information regarding the cause of the extraordinary monkeypox outbreak, including the ludicrous theory that particular COVID-19 vaccines are the source of the disease.
Such claims have been circulated several times, with mixed reactions and expressions from Facebook users.
The following screenshot was captured from the above Facebook page which mentions “The AstraZeneca jab contained Monkeypox”.
Similarly, the above claim was also found and posted on Facebook recently, with a claim pointing that “The AstraZeneca jab contained Monkeypox”.
The above claim has also been seen and published by other X users, which has led many other users to question whether this news is real.
Given the claim’s extensive dissemination and the considerable attention it has received from the internet community, we believed it was necessary to perform a fact-check on the above subject.
Fact Check
Fact Crescendo monitors and verifies these claims through reliable sources and with the World Health Organization, which leads us to find the truth as follows:
The AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, known as Vaxzevria, does not contain monkeypox or any monkeypox virus. It is a vaccine designed to protect against COVID-19 and works by using a modified adenovirus vector to carry genetic instructions for producing a part of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which stimulates the immune system to recognize and fight the actual virus. The vaccine ingredients are rigorously tested and reviewed to ensure safety and efficacy. Monkeypox and COVID-19 are caused by different viruses, and there's no connection between the AstraZeneca vaccine and monkeypox.
COVID-19 vaccines did not cause the monkeypox outbreak. Monkeypox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which is related to the smallpox virus. The outbreaks of monkeypox that have occurred in recent years have been due to the spread of this virus among humans and not related to COVID-19 vaccination. The COVID-19 vaccines were developed to protect against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, and they do not have an impact on the spread or occurrence of monkeypox.
AP News Report | Archived Link
What do you know about “Monkeypox (Mpox)”?
Monkeypox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which is a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus, the same family that includes the variola virus (which causes smallpox) and the vaccinia virus (used in the smallpox vaccine). The disease was first identified in monkeys in 1958, hence the name, though the virus primarily circulates among rodents in Africa.
Symptoms: Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox but generally milder. They include:
Fever
Headache
Muscle aches
Backache
Swollen lymph nodes
Chills
Exhaustion
A characteristic feature of monkeypox is a rash that develops, often starting on the face and spreading to other parts of the body. The rash progresses through different stages, from flat spots to raised bumps, to blisters, and then to scabs.
Transmission: Monkeypox spreads through several routes:
Direct Contact: The virus can spread through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or lesions of an infected person or animal.
Respiratory Droplets: It can be transmitted via respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact.
Contact with Contaminated Objects: It can also spread through contact with contaminated objects or surfaces, such as bedding or clothing.
Animal-to-Human Transmission: Infected animals, particularly rodents and primates, can spread the virus to humans. This usually occurs through direct contact with the animal or through a bite or scratch.
Prevention: Preventive measures include:
Avoiding contact with animals that could harbor the virus.
Practicing good hygiene, including frequent handwashing.
Using personal protective equipment when caring for infected individuals.
Isolating infected people to prevent further spread.
Monkeypox outbreaks have been relatively rare and usually occur in central and west Africa, but there have been occasional outbreaks in other parts of the world. Monitoring and preventive measures help manage and control the spread of the virus.
Health Direct Link | Archived Link
What do you know about “AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine”?
The AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine is commonly known as Vaxzevria (formerly AstraZeneca/Oxford COVID-19 vaccine). The vaccine uses a chimpanzee adenovirus vector to deliver a piece of the SARS-CoV-2 virus’s genetic material. This helps the body’s immune system recognize and fight the virus if it encounters it in the future.
Like all vaccines, it underwent extensive clinical trials to ensure safety and efficacy before being approved for emergency use and widespread distribution. It is typically administered in two doses, with the second dose given a few weeks after the first.
No Link to Monkeypox: As previously mentioned, there is no scientific evidence linking the AstraZeneca vaccine or its components to monkeypox. Monkeypox is caused by a different virus entirely, and the AstraZeneca vaccine is not related to it.
World Health Organization (WHO) Link | Archived Link
On August 26, 2024, our Fact Crescendo team in Sri Lanka debunked a false claim that linked the Mpox outbreak to shingles or COVID-19 vaccines. Mpox is caused by the Mpox virus, which has been recognized for decades, while shingles is due to the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. There is no scientific evidence connecting COVID-19 vaccines to Mpox. Medical professionals are in consensus that there is no relationship between Mpox and COVID-19 vaccines.
Fact Crescendo Sri Lanka Link | Archived Link
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Conclusion
Fact Crescendo found that the above claim posted on social media is misleading. There is no scientific evidence linking the AstraZeneca vaccine or its components to monkeypox. Monkeypox is caused by a different virus entirely, and the AstraZeneca vaccine is not related to it.
