Media Bias Fact Check (MBFC) publishes daily vetted fact checks from verified IFCN-approved sources. Each claim is independently reviewed for accuracy and context.
Claimant: Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Claim: Lyme disease and RSV infections came from gain-of-function research.
Rating: FALSE
Explanation: Experts said there is no evidence that either Lyme disease or respiratory syncytial virus originated from laboratory research. The bacterium that causes Lyme disease has ancient origins, while RSV’s evolutionary history predates modern laboratory research.
Date: 08/05/2026
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Last Updated on August 5, 2026 by Media Bias Fact Check