Let’s cut through the corporate media nonsense: the recent uptick in cases among travelers from the Democratic Republic of Congo has been framed by outlets like CNN and NBC as a harbinger of doom. Really? You’d think we were on the brink of a worldwide pandemic by the way they’re spinning this narrative. It’s almost as if they see every new case as an opportunity to whip up hysteria and boost their ratings.

Meanwhile, Fox News, which often revels in sensationalist rhetoric, would have you believe it’s all a conspiracy to distract us from “real” issues—like the looming election or inflation. Both sides are playing the media game, capitalizing on fear to drive their respective agendas. What’s the truth? The reality is that infectious diseases have been a part of human history long before the media learned they could profit from them.

Why aren’t we having a mature discussion about the infrastructure needed for better disease management instead of falling into this trap of fear-mongering? The solution lies in surveillance, transparency, and informed public health strategies—not sensational headlines aimed at scaring the masses. It’s time we demand better from our media, rather than allowing them to dictate our reactions based on fear.