key: cord-0991436-plefvk15 authors: Egbert, Nichole; Goodall, Catherine E.; McCullough, Jennifer L.; Smith, Tara C. title: Headlines and Hashtags: Communicating Science During an Outbreak date: 2020-08-12 journal: Microbes Infect DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2020.07.004 sha: f3f5f28d843b7e79d303bcebf161a2e002add665 doc_id: 991436 cord_uid: plefvk15 Science and medical professionals are often looked to as experts in the event of a health crisis, but relatively few have received formal training in science communication. We provide a brief review of the current outbreak situation and suggestions for engaging in reliable, effective science communication online. Scientists face a challenging information environment when it comes to disseminating 54 public health information during emerging crises. In response to prior disease outbreaks (e.g., 55 2009 H1N1 flu, 2014 Ebola outbreak), the news media tended to highlight death-rates and severe 56 outcomes while inadequately balancing information that might enhance perceived efficacy to 57 control and manage infection [6, 7] . It can be difficult to effectively elicit concern (rather than 58 panic) and public vigilance that will encourage proactive action from the public (e.g., effective 59 illness management practices like hand washing), rather than maladaptive fear management Statement Regarding Cluster of Pneumonia Cases in Wuhan Coronavirus misinformation lives online, despite efforts to stamp it out. The Wall 116 Street Journal Fake cures and other coronavirus conspiracy theories are flooding WhatsApp, 118 leaving governments and users with a 'sense of panic' The Washington Post How to fight an infodemic How people react to Zika virus 121 outbreaks on Twitter? A computational content analysis Threat, efficacy, and uncertainty in the first 5 months 123 of national print and electronic news coverage of the H1N1 virus Ebola in Prime Time: A Content Analysis of Sensationalism and Efficacy 126 Information in U.S. Nightly News Coverage of the Ebola Outbreaks Putting the fear back into fear appeals: The extended parallel process model Spreading Ebola Panic: Newspaper and Social Media 131 Coverage of the 2014 Ebola Health Crisis Guide to Writing for Social Crisis communication, learning and 136 responding: Best practices in social media How to Report on the COVID-19 Outbreak Responsibly Public confidence in scientists has remained stable for decadesMarch 141 22