Table of contents:
- What kind of paracetamol medicine is rumored to contain a virus?
- Is it true that paracetamol contains Machupo virus?
- What is the Machupo virus?
Have you received a chain message in the app chat about paracetamol which contains a deadly virus? Yes, lately there are rumors of a dangerous virus called Machupo in the paracetamol drug. Paracetamol itself is a pain reliever that is sold over the counter without a doctor's prescription. Is it true that paracetamol contains Machupo virus?
What kind of paracetamol medicine is rumored to contain a virus?
According to chain messages spread through social media and applications chat, paracetamol drug that contains a deadly virus is paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen) with serial number P-500. This serial number is usually listed on the product package and indicates the dosage, which is 500 milligrams. It was also stated in the chain message that the drug was new, very white in color and had a glossy surface.
The paracetamol drug P-500 is said to contain a very dangerous pathogen (virus carrier), namely Machupo. Macupo virus is claimed to infect anyone who consumes it. This viral infection can cause death. However, this chain message does not accompany expert testimony, clinical trial evidence, or any further explanation that could justify its claim.
Is it true that paracetamol contains Machupo virus?
No, paracetamol P-500 does not contain Machupo virus. Reporting from the official website of the Indonesian Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM), paracetamol P-500 has been checked and tested for safety and quality before being distributed freely in the market. After going through clinical trials, BPOM continues to actively monitor the production and distribution of this drug in the market. Based on the BPOM evaluation, the P-500 paracetamol drug is declared safe and free from the Machupo virus.
Until now, there has been no research or laboratory test from anywhere that can prove the presence of the Machupo virus in the drug paracetamol P-500. So, the chain message is just a lie (Hoax).
The issue of paracetamol containing the virus is similar to the issue of packaged foods and bananas imported from countries in South America containing the HIV virus. Issues that are not supported by scientific evidence like this are only propagated to scare people.
Therefore, the Head of BPOM, Penny K. Lukito, appealed to the public to buy medicines only at pharmacies or drugstores that have obtained permission from the local Health Office. Medicines at official pharmacies or licensed drugstores must have been tested and closely monitored by the BPOM.
What is the Machupo virus?
The Machupo virus first appeared in Bolivia, South America in the early 1960s. Because it has contracted in Bolivia, the disease caused by this virus is known as Bolivian hemorrhagic fever. The Machupo virus does cause fever accompanied by bleeding. For example, bleeding in the form of red spots on the skin, bleeding gums, or nosebleeds. Apart from dengue fever, other symptoms include headaches, muscle and joint pain, and seizures. If not handled properly, Bolivian hemorrhagic fever can cause death.
Machupo virus transmission occurs through air, food, and direct contact with the virus. This virus lives in the urine, feces and saliva of rodents such as mice. In Bolivia, this virus is contracted due to the urine or feces of mice that dry up being swept with the wind, thus contaminating the surrounding air. The air is inhaled by humans and eventually spreads.
However, this virus is not found in the 500 milligram paracetamol drug product. The reason is, paracetamol drugs are produced with very strict safety and hygiene standards. The factory is also constantly supervised by various authorized health agencies. So, you don't need to worry about taking this pain reliever drug.
