Stigmatising ‘super-spreaders’ won’t help the fight against coronavirus | Philip Ball

The idea that people who infect a large number of others are ‘culprits’ is scientifically flawed – and deeply unfairFew people believe any longer that illness is divine punishment for sin. But if you want to see signs that health is still considered today a moral affair, take a look at how we respond to epidemics likethe coronavirus.The Brighton businessmanidentified as a “super-spreader” of the virus after he contracted it at a conference in Singapore is reported by the Times as feeling “very harassed” and “scared that [he’ll] become a scapegoat”. He is thought to have infected at least 11 people while travelling and socialising, before developing (mild) symptoms himself. It’s hard not to read the media emphasis on his role as a scout leader as an implication that he ha s carelessly endangered innocent children.Continue reading...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - Category: Science Authors: Tags: Coronavirus outbreak UK news Science Infectious diseases World news Health Society Microbiology Medical research Source Type: news