Episode 1838 • • 1:06:14 - 1:10:06
1838: Coup Afoot
Nipah Virus, Media Fearmongering and Pandemic Cycles
NBC News is criticized for promoting "fear" regarding the Nipah virus following two cases reported in India. While the virus has a high fatality rate, human-to-human transmission is rare, and the Indian Ministry of Health claims the situation is contained. The segment argues that the media is attempting to maintain a state of perpetual pandemic anxiety, despite historical cycles suggesting major pandemics occur roughly every 100 years.