Fogvid-24": The Next Pandemic Or Hoax?

A thick fog, referred to as "Fogvid-24," has been causing travel disruptions throughout the US and UK. This fog has resulted in flight delays, rail difficulties, and hazardous driving conditions on highways. Alongside the travel disruptions, the fog has also become the subject of various conspiracy theories, particularly regarding its alleged health impacts, such as cold and flu-like symptoms.

Reports indicate significant impact on air travel due to the fog. Major airports in both the UK and US have experienced considerable delays and cancellations. In the UK, Heathrow, Luton, and Manchester airports have reported “major disruptions” due to low visibility. Affected regions in the United States include California, Texas, Florida, and parts of the Midwest.

Online discussions have fueled conspiracy theories surrounding the fog. Some individuals claim it is not a natural phenomenon but rather a chemical mist. Videos and images shared on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) show users attributing symptoms like fever, fatigue, and sore throat to fog exposure. The term “Fogvid-24” has emerged, drawing a parallel to COVID-19 because of the alleged symptom similarities.

The fog has generated significant public reaction, amplified by social media. Videos labeled “Fogvid-24” have gone viral, with users sharing personal accounts of experiencing sudden illnesses after being outdoors. Medical experts urge caution and emphasize the need for verified data before drawing conclusions about the cause of these reported illnesses.

A tweet included in the text shows a user stating that people across the US, in states such as Florida, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, California, and Texas, are reporting a similar “thick ‘particle fog.’” This user claims people are reporting feeling sick, smelling chemicals, and believing the fog is not normal, questioning the likelihood of the same phenomenon occurring in multiple locations.

The impact on air travel has been substantial. Airports in both the UK and US have issued alerts and postponed flights. The UK’s National Air Traffic Services (NATS) has confirmed temporary limitations at fog-affected airports. A NATS representative informed CBS News that measures are being taken to minimize inconvenience, advising travelers to check their flight statuses regularly. Over 20,000 travelers have been affected in the UK alone.

Travel by train and road has also been affected. Motorists are urged to reduce speed and increase braking distances due to poor visibility. Approximately 3.8 million drivers in the US have experienced delays or incidents due to the fog.

Weather agencies indicate widespread fog across North America and Europe. The Met Office in the UK anticipates the current foggy conditions will persist and forecasts snow and rain for New Year’s Eve. Gusty conditions are expected in northern areas of the UK, while the south may experience lighter rain. Rain and mist are also forecast for Scotland and Northern Ireland.

In the United States, foggy weather has spread across the Northwest, Midwest, and South. States such as Nebraska, Iowa, and Maryland are reporting significant disruptions. Southern states like Arkansas and Louisiana are experiencing more storms. Northern California and Washington have faced rain and windy weather alongside the fog.

I keep seeing more and more videos like this 👀 pic.twitter.com/5FSGSZnLss

— One Bad Dude (@OneBadDude_) December 30, 2024

Reports from around the globe are surfacing of mysterious illnesses linked to encounters with so-called "chemical fogs."

Described as a thick, lingering blanket, the fog has left people sick—many experiencing sudden cold or flu-like symptoms after only brief exposure.

Dubbed… pic.twitter.com/DQqnrsYKzd

— Shadow of Ezra (@ShadowofEzra) December 30, 2024