This paper discusses the role of the internet as a communication tool during global health crises. It can be an invaluable tool for governments, INGOs and NGOs engaged in crisis management and disease control. However, the internets’ open and global character also entails the risk of conspiracy theories and other disinformation spreading rapidly. Focusing on these challenges, the most recent Ebola-crisis is used as a case study. The term “E-bolanoia” is derived from the more general term “pandemic paranoia” to specify the focus on Ebola and the potential electronic disruption inherent in the internet. Besides the very physical viral risk, there is also the virtual viral risk of conspiracy theories and paranoia. This paper maps this discourse, as it appeared on social media sites as Twitter (for instance #ebolaconspiracy), YouTube and Facebook during the latter half of 2014, including attempts of the mentioned governments, INGOs and NGOs to counter it.
