AFP's fact-check service debunks misinformation spread online. Here are some of our recent articles about inaccurate claims in the United States: An Instagram video with more than 600,000 views claims pandemics recur like clockwork once a century. This is false; the clip has incorrectly dated some of the widespread infectious disease outbreaks, and medical historians say it ignores many others while including a localized epidemic from France. Social media posts claim that a group of parents in Vail, Arizona successfully and legally took over their school board and revoked a mask requirement. This is false; a spokeswoman for the school system said the original board members remain in place, as does the mask rule, and a senior education official reiterated that face coverings are still required as protection against coronavirus. Social media posts claim that John Velazquez, the Kentucky Derby winning jockey, insulted US President Joe Biden after his recent track victory, and turned down an invitation to the White House. This is false; Velazquez's agent confirmed the quote is fabricated and that the champion has not been extended an offer to visit the president. Fox News host Tucker Carlson claims US government figures show the "apparent death rate" from Covid-19 vaccines. But the statistics he refers to come from a system that may contain "incomplete" or "inaccurate" information, and its reports alone cannot be used to determine if deaths or other adverse events were caused by immunization. 1. 2. 3. 4.