HIV-infected toothpicks are being found in fruits

In recent days, messages have been circulating on social media claiming that “toothpicks infected with HIV are allegedly being found in fruits.” Some posts present this information as if it comes from a “reliable source” or a “sanitary inspector.” However, this information has no basis and is considered fake.

🔍 Origin of the Rumors

Such messages first appeared in the early 2010s in various countries. For example, in Russia, Kazakhstan, Egypt, India, and even the USA, rumors circulated claiming that “needles with HIV are hidden in bananas” or “toothpicks infected with HIV are being distributed in supermarkets.” Each time, these claims were debunked by official organizations.

In Uzbekistan, similar messages occasionally appear, but no official authority or medical institution has ever confirmed such cases.

🧪 From a Scientific Perspective

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), which causes AIDS, is a very fragile virus. It cannot survive long outside the human body:

• The virus is not transmitted through air or water;

• The virus quickly dies when exposed to external conditions (temperature, acidity, etc.);

• Infection through a fruit or a toothpick in a healthy person is scientifically impossible.

The World Health Organization (WHO) also confirms that household items, food, and other objects are not sources of HIV transmission.

🏛 What Official Sources Say

The Ministry of Health of Uzbekistan and the Sanitary-Epidemiological Service have never reported finding HIV-infected toothpicks in fruits. Such rumors are usually spread through unverified audio recordings, photoshopped images, or sensational social media posts.

Factcheck.uz and other fact-checking platforms have repeatedly identified such messages as fake.

⚠️ Why Are Such Rumors Spread?

• To create fear and panic among people;

• To increase subscribers for certain channels or pages;

• To create a “sensation” without any real basis.

This type of disinformation can affect people’s psychology, reduce trust in official sources, and cause social unrest.

✅ Conclusion

• The claim that “toothpicks infected with HIV are found in fruits” is baseless, scientifically and medically impossible — it is fake;

• HIV cannot be transmitted through air, water, fruits, or objects;

• Official sources have provided no confirmation;

• If you see such posts — do not share them, and always verify information through reliable sources (for example, factcheck.uz or the Ministry of Health website).

Tip: The best way to protect yourself from fake news is to always verify sensational information through official and reliable sources.