Viral Video Misrepresented: Nebraska Rally Queue Mistaken for Mpox Testing

A video circulating on social media has been mischaracterized, leading to false claims about its content. The footage, showing a long queue of people outside a venue in Omaha, Nebraska, has been erroneously described as depicting individuals waiting for mpox testing or attending a Donald Trump rally.

In reality, the video captures attendees lining up for a campaign event featuring Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz in his home state of Nebraska. The rally took place at the Astro in Omaha on August 17, 2023, approximately one year ago.

The misrepresentation of the video coincided with the World Health Organization's (WHO) second declaration of mpox as a global public health emergency in two years. This declaration was prompted by an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo that spread to neighboring countries.

It's important to note that no cases related to the recent African outbreak have been reported in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not recommended general public screening for mpox.

Some interesting facts about mpox:

• The disease was formerly known as monkeypox until the WHO changed its name in November 2022.
• The first human case was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
• Mpox is caused by the monkeypox virus, belonging to the same family as smallpox.
• Symptoms typically include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.
• The incubation period is usually 6 to 13 days but can range from 5 to 21 days.

The video's origin was confirmed by an X user who posted one of the earliest iterations of the clip, stating they were attending the August 17 rally. A follow-up photo showed the line extending around a building in the La Vista City Centre complex next to the Astro, corroborating the event's location.

Reuters fact-checkers verified the video's context, comparing it with a Reuters photo taken on the same day showing a similar scene. This evidence conclusively debunks the false claims about mpox testing or a Trump rally.

"Miscaptioned. The video shows people waiting in line outside a Tim Walz rally venue in Omaha, Nebraska, not waiting to get tested for mpox."

This incident highlights the importance of critical thinking and fact-checking in the age of viral social media content. Misinformation can spread rapidly, potentially causing unnecessary panic or confusion. It's crucial to verify information from reliable sources before sharing or believing claims, especially those related to public health issues like mpox.