One thing that really bothers me about listening to television news is that I can't change misinformation. Last week I was listening to a TV health news reporter talk about the deadly Streptococcus pyogenes (flesh-eating bacteria) infections in Texas. About 29 persons infected by this organisms have died in the past month. The reporter went on to say that the organism is a virus and could be easily treated with antibiotics if caught early in the illness.
Unfortunately, Streptococcus pyogenes is NOT A VIRUS. It is a BACTERIA! Some viral infections can be treated but they are much more difficult to treat. Bacteria are usually treatable with antibiotics. Antibiotics are not used on viruses.
People go to their physicians with all this misinformation. The physician may say a patient has a viral infection and the infection will just have to run its course. The patient replies that they saw a news story about a virus called strep that can be treated with antibiotics and they want some of those antibiotics. The physician then needs to defend what they just said and state why the news cast is incorrect. Which will you believe? A multi-million dollar news agency that you have learned to trust for information for years, or your physician who you also trust and respect.
I just wish reporters would check the information in their stories. Calling a bacteria a virus is like calling a verb a noun. Identifying and classifying organisms is just as basic to microbiology as identifying parts of speech is to a journalist. Journalists must check their sources. Why not check their science information just a little more before presenting misinformation to the public?
This unchangable misinformation from the news media is one of the reasons I chose to write these weekly articles at Suite 101. Now don't get me wrong, I am not always correct. However, if someone discovers an error in my articles I invite you to mention that in the discussions below. If I am wrong my errors can easily be corrected online. I like this interactive media!
For more information on Streptococcus pyogenes:
CNN's story on the Texas casualities.
The Centers for Disease Control's information. This information is great and well worth your time.
Take Care and Think Microbiologically!
Go To Page: 1
