Table 1.
Distribution of rumour types
| Rumour type | Thematic focus | N | % | Average mentions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legendary rumours | (20) | (22.0) | (6.4) | |
| Exorcism and superstitious beliefs and practices | 12 | 13.2 | 6.6 | |
| Supernatural revelations | 8 | 8.8 | 6.0 | |
| Aetiological narratives | (21) | (23.1) | (2.3) | |
| Preventive measures | 13 | 14.3 | 2.4 | |
| Causal claims | 6 | 6.6 | 3.0 | |
| Virulence | 2 | 2.2 | 1.5 | |
| Proto‐memorates | (30) | (33.0) | (1.4) | |
| Local infections | 24 | 26.4 | 1.5 | |
| Personal contact with SARS patients | 4 | 4.4 | 1.0 | |
| Hospitalisation | 2 | 2.2 | 1.3 | |
| Bogies | (20) | (22.0) | (3.3) | |
| City blockades/institutional closures/curfew | 8 | 8.8 | 4.8 | |
| Insiders’ newsflashes | 8 | 8.8 | 2.1 | |
| Supply shortages | 4 | 4.4 | 2.8 | |
| Overall | 91 | 100 | 3.2 |