Coronavirus and Conspiracies– Were the Predictions Silly or True?

Holding the world in its vice-like grip, the virus has pulled us all back into our houses. Emerged from the “wet markets” of Wuhan where wild animals were sold. From a single bird that might have housed the virus, the illness has over 4,65,19,618 global cases as of 2nd November 2020. Books, movies, TV series, and individuals – a few predicted the outbreak of coronavirus in some form or the other. The question that arises is if these predictions are backed by some knowledge or are they just shrouded under conspiracy theories.

Here are some of the movies and books that predicted coronavirus and other pandemic-like situations around the world.

Eyes of darkness, 1981, Dean Koontz

The book is a work of fiction, a story about a Chinese Bioweapon that leads to the sudden death of a group of campers. The virus, given the name of Wuhan-400, is regarded as the perfect weapon in the book. However, apart from the relation with Coronavirus about the origin of the virus from China, there are very few similarities between the latter and the former. The effect of Wuhan-400 is far more extreme than Coronavirus. In the book, the virus eats away at the brain tissues of the infected until the point of complete organ failure.

Osaka Flu in Marge in Chains, Simpsons, 1993

The Simpsons, one of the most popular animated TV series, has made many quick and accidental predictions in the past. Like the creation of robotic librarians, the election of Donald Trump, etc. Adding to the list was the episode in 1993 which showcased the spread of viral flu which originated from Japan, not China, in a package sent to America. The episode also packs some very familiar shots of not only empty streets but also panic as the virus spreads across the city.

End of days, Sylvia brown, 2008

The book, literally called End Of Days predicts the outbreak of a pneumonia-like illness in the year 2020. Which attacks the lungs and bronchial tubes and resisting all known treatments. Though the book stated that the baffling illness would vanish almost as soon as it appeared. Now it remains to be seen if the same holds for the Covid-19.

My secret Terrius, Korean series, 2018

A shocking viral clip from a Korean show, My Secret Terrius has found acclaim all over the internet. And this predicted Coronavirus outbreak. The clip starts with a doctor talking to his wife about the spread of a virus. This belonging to the family of the common flu and SARS, with an incubation period of 2-14 days. The doctor asks his wife to stay at home as the virus spreads across the city. With doctors concluding that it attacks the respiratory organs. The uncanny similarities have left viewers wondering if there was prior knowledge of the virus or if it was all mere coincidence.

Contagion, 2011

A movie that gained sudden popularity in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. Contagion rants of an airborne virus that spreads rapidly around the world. This leading to quarantines, mass panic and an overall breakdown of the world economy. The movie showcases a lot in common with what we are currently facing. This raises questions raised by citizens about the limited information being shared with them by their governments.

Conspiracy theories or not, we’d advice against falling prey to misinformation and look to the most legitimate sources of news like the WHO and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

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