Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) issued a warning on Tuesday that a message spreading on WhatsApp and other social media regarding a new COVID variant dubbed COVID-Omicron XBB is false.
In a Twitter post, the MOHW advised the public that it did not send out the viral message.
“Please note that this message circulating via WhatsApp and on social media is NOT from the Ministry of Health & Wellness Jamaica. #fakenews #COVID19,” it tweeted.
The fake message claims the new variant is five times more virulent than the Delta variant, has a greater mortality rate, and does not come with cough or fever.
The message added that symptoms include joint pain, headache, pain in the neck and upper back, pneumonia, and loss of appetite.
The MOHW said official alerts concerning COVID-19 are available on its social media sites and website.
 issued a warning on Tuesday that a message spreading on WhatsApp and other){kind=link}