Mysterious Fog in the US , Canada and UK: A dense, eerie fog with a "burning chemical-like smell" has spooked a good part of North America and parts of the United Kingdom and Canada. With social media amplifying all concerns, this phenomenon has sparked attention across all social media platforms. However, at the heart of this mysterious fog are a conjunction of natural events, social psychology, and environmental conditions that culminated in all the conspiracy theories and public health fears. Here's a closer look at the mysterious fog, its potential causes, and the societal response it has triggered.

Fog that Feeds Fear

The first reports of this "mysterious fog" came in from Florida where a resident said that they experienced respiratory symptoms, feverish warmth, and stomach cramps after contact with the fog. Similar stories started flooding social media, and within a day or two, a sinister force seemed to sweep across the United States, Canada, and parts of the UK. From Texas to Minnesota, people reported weird odors and health issues that they thought were linked to this bizarre atmospheric event.

Some witnesses were said to see "white particles" swirling through the air; theories ranged from a chemical attack or experimental weapon to drone-related chemical dispersals and references to historical military experiments, such as the infamous 1950s "Operation Sea-Spray."

Fuel to the fire were added when videos and posts, hundreds of thousands in number, began circulating on social media sites like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) speculating on the origin of the fog. Hashtags like #ToxicFog went trending for days. Hysteria created a self-reinforcing loop in which every post spurred further scrutiny and fear.

Scientific Explanation of the Dense Mysterious Fog

1. What is Fog?

Fog is essentially a low-lying cloud formed when the air temperature cools to its dew point, causing water vapor to condense into tiny droplets or ice crystals. Several types of fog—advection fog, radiation fog, and valley fog—can form depending on conditions such as warm, moist air moving over cooler land or when temperatures plummet rapidly under clear skies.

2. Why the Chemical Smell?

Such chemical-like smell as reported during the occurrence of fog events is sometimes attributed to air pollution. It acts like a sponge, where it absorbs these pollutants, which include sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, among others, that emit from industries. This mixture, therefore, leads to a stench that could be mistaken as unnatural or even toxic.

Also Read: Health Concerns Rise As US, Canada, and UK Come Under The Blanket Of Thick, Dense, Toxic Fog

3. What are the Health Concerns?

High moisture levels from fog can significantly exacerbate symptoms related to respiration, but especially in already predisposed asthmatics and allergy patients. The connection of these symptoms with actual fever, stomach cramps, and puffy eyes is too remote. Experts assume that the irritating effects of entrapped pollutants trapped in fog tend to affect more the eyes and throat rather than the rest of the body affected by some report.

Psychological Effects of Mass Panic Caused by Social Media

Social media amplified a natural weather event into a health epidemic. It made the personal experience of individuals become a cause for fear and speculation, a domino effect.

According to psychologists, this is a concept of selective perception, wherein once people's attention is drawn to environmental anomalies, they begin to notice them. This mirrors earlier panics, such as the Seattle windshield pitting panic of 1954. Then, atomic bomb testing caused fear in many and started to have people looking at their windshields for small marks that they had not seen before. Likewise, postings on the strangeness of the fog probably increased public awareness and suspicion, with people looking to attach unrelated symptoms to the phenomenon.

The fog hysteria shares a commonality with other instances of mass panic, such as the "drone sightings" of recent years or the Cold War-era fears of biological warfare.

Also Read: Mysterious Fog Is Making Americans Sick

These events underscore how fear can cloud judgment, especially when amplified by social media and sensationalist headlines. While historical cases, such as "Operation Sea-Spray," offer concrete evidence of the existence of unethical experiments, the jump from a natural weather condition to theories of chemical attacks exemplifies a more modern trend of connecting unrelated dots, all wonderfully seeded in distrust and anxiety.

Despite the swirling rumors, meteorologists and scientists are in agreement that the mysterious fog is not as alarming as it seems. It is well known that fog traps and amplifies pollutants, especially in urban and industrial regions. Moreover, winter months are the most conducive for fog formation, so its recent prevalence is unsurprising.

On the other hand, environmentalists advise that the fog should wake everyone up to increased levels of pollution. The reported odors and health irritations could be just symptoms of far deeper systemic issues like industrial emissions and lack of control over air quality.

The authorities must be transparent in their communication to combat misinformation and allay public fears. Governments and environmental agencies must provide timely updates on weather phenomena, air quality, and health risks. Initiatives like real-time pollutant tracking and public education campaigns can help demystify natural occurrences while addressing valid environmental concerns.

The mysterious Canada fog is a compelling case study in how environmental events intersect with psychology and societal dynamics. While rooted in natural phenomena, the fog became a vessel for collective fears, amplified by modern technology and historical anxieties.

In this information era where communication occurs at an almost lightning pace, the fog becomes a metaphor that reminds everyone about scientific literacy, environmental responsibility, and an effective balance when considering public concern. Whether perceived as a marvel of nature or as a tale that serves to teach, it left a very powerful mark in people's minds.

Nipah virus outbreak in India triggered airport screenings of travelers. Many reports claim that passengers are being checked in similar ways as they were during the COVID-19 virus spread.

Nipah Virus Outbreak In India: Are Travelers Passing Through A COVID-19 Like Check?

In Thailand, health officials have announced: "passenger screening points for arrival from affected areas" on its official X account, along with the information on airports to start "enhanced cleaning of shared areas to ensure the safety of both passengers and staff".

On January 27, Thailand's Tourism Ministry announced that they had "not detected any cases of Nipah virus, affirming that strict screening and preventive measures are in place at all international airports to safeguard public health and reassure tourists."

Nipah Virus Outbreak In India: What Does The COVID-Like Screening Include?

The screening includes:

• Temperature checks
• Health history
• Travel history
• Epidemiological monitoring

Anyone suspected of having Nipah will be immediately isolated and referred to public health system "in accordance with International Health Regulations".

Read: Australia Is Monitoring Nipah Virus Outbreak In India

In Thailand, the screenings are happening in these following airports:

• Phuket International Airport
• Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport
• Don Mueang Airport

Nipah Virus Outbreak In India: Why Is Thailand Gearing Up For COVID-19 Like Checks?

Two cases of Nipah virus were detected in India's eastern state of West Bengal, in Kolkata. While other airports have also geared up for travel checks, Thailand is taking it to a next level with COVID-19 like checks. The reason is due to a huge number of international travel form Kolkata to Bangkok and Phuket. Many reports claim that Thailand is a premier international destination for travelers from Kolkata, due to its proximity, affordability, and being a visa-free detination. There are roughly 55 weekly direct flights from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport to Bangkok and Phuket.

Nipah Virus Outbreak In India: What Is It?

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), Nipah virus infection is a zoonotic illness that is transmitted to people from animals, and can also be transmitted through contaminated food or directly from person to person.

In infected people, it causes a range of illnesses from asymptomatic (subclinical) infection to acute respiratory illness and fatal encephalitis. The virus can also cause severe disease in animals such as pigs, resulting in significant economic losses for farmers.

Read: Nipah Virus Outbreak In India: How Did It All Begin?

Although Nipah virus has caused only a few known outbreaks in Asia, it infects a wide range of animals and causes severe disease and death in people.

Nipah virus is infectious and can spread from animals like bats and pigs to humans through bodily fluids or contaminated food. It can also pass between people through close contact, especially in caregiving settings. While it can spread via respiratory droplets in enclosed spaces, it is not considered highly airborne and usually requires close, prolonged contact for transmission. Common routes include direct exposure to infected animals or their fluids, consuming contaminated fruits or date palm sap, and contact with bodily fluids such as saliva, urine, or blood from an infected person.

Nipah Virus Symptoms

• Fever
• Headache
• Breathing difficulties
• Cough and sore throat
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Muscle pain and severe weakness

Bacteria from the Thar desert is being transported by wind to the Eastern Himalayas and causing respiratory and skin diseases in locals, according to a Science of the Total Environment study.

Researchers from Bose Institute found that powerful dust storms filled with disease-causing bacteria can travel hundreds of kilometers, crossing densely populated and polluted Indo-Gangetic Plain before finally settling over Himalayan hilltops, where they are affecting local populations and ecosystems.

The scientists noted: "In addition to respiratory and skin diseases due to the transported pathogens, vertical uplift injects locally sourced pathogens into high-altitude atmosphere, where they mix with long-range travellers arriving from afar. Together, they reshape the bacterial community floating above the Himalayas, contributing to gastrointestinal infections as well."

Why Is This A Concern?

These changes were driven by horizontal wind patterns that carry particles across vast distances, combined with rising air pollution from lower elevations.

Riddled with airborne bacteria, including pathogens that can affect overall physical health, this air can increase vulnerability in people living in colder regions, who are already at a high risk of developing conditions related to the weather such as hypoxia (a condition where tissues don't get enough oxygen, often causing confusion, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath and bluish skin)

“About 80 percent of the total Himalayan bacterial population is due to long-range transport via horizontal and vertical movement of atmosphere, causing about 60 percent perturbation in Himalayan bacterial diversity,” the researchers said.

Cold weather and excessive exposure to airborne bacteria also increases disease risks by weakening immune responses, causing blood vessels to constrict and promoting close indoor confinement, which accelerates the spread of bacteria and viruses.

Some common conditions include respiratory infections (pneumonia, bronchitis), cardiovascular strain (heart attacks, strokes) and bacterial infections like Strep throat.

READ MORE: AI Detects More Breast Cancer Cases in Landmark Swedish Study

Antibiotic Resistance: An Rising Threat

Dr HB Veena Kumari of the Department of Neuromicrobiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, claims: "The Covid-19 pandemic has significantly contributed to rising antimicrobial resistance. The World Health Organisation projects that 10 million deaths will occur annually by 2025."

According to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria in the body learns to withstand and remain unaffected by the medicines (antibiotics) meant to kill them.

In such cases, doctors have to switch to different antibiotics, but these backup medicines might not work as well or might cause more side effects. Additionally, infections may also worsen over time as bacteria can become resistant to all available drugs.

Alarmingly is that these tough, drug-resistant bacteria can spread from one person to another, both in hospitals and at home.

According to Dr TS Balganesh, Gangagen Biotechnologies, nearly 36 percent of haemodialysis patients die from fatal infections, which is second only to cardiovascular diseases as a cause of death.

He tells Deccan Herald: "The risk for infective endocarditis in haemodialysis patients is approximately 18 times higher than in the general population and up to 58 percent of these episodes are caused by a bacteria named 'S aureus', with an in-hospital mortality of more than 50 percent."

During this year's Union Budget presentation, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced major upgrades for WHO first and only Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC) in Jamnagar as part of the government's attempt to boost Ayurveda and traditional medicine in the country.

Sitharaman, in her February 1 speech, mentioned that the upgrade of the center at Jamnagar will be carried out "to bolster evidence-based research, training and global awareness in traditional medicine system."

The proposed upgrade is expected to improve clinical validation, research infrastructure, documentation, and knowledge sharing platforms aligned with international health standards.

Anup Thakkar, head of department of Panchkarma, Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, Jamnagar told TOI of the announcement: "The WHO center is for research and training and the budgetary announcement will give it a big push. With evidence-based research in ayurveda, that too backed by WHO it will give global acceptance to ayurveda.

"It will help in standardization of ayurveda drugs. Farmers who grow the herbs will also be benefited."

The exclusive traditional medicine institute was established in 2022 in collaboration with the Government of India and Ministry of AYUSH. According to WHO, India has committed $250 million for the project.

What Is Traditional Medicine?

Traditional medicine encompasses ancient and culture-specific healthcare practices such as Ayurveda, Chinese medicine and herbal remedies used to treat illnesses and promote well-being, often relying on natural, plant-based, or holistic methods.

This type of medicine mainly utilizes the benefits of natural products like the plant, animal, and mineral substances. The mode of treatment is supported by indigenous beliefs, practical skills, and experiences handed down from generation to generation.

READ MORE: Union Budget 2026: FM Nirmala Sitharaman Announces Biopharma Shakti, Medical Tourism. Here Is What Experts Say

It also treats the human body as a whole and not a particular body part and relies on the concept that every organ of the human body is interconnected with others. The emphasis of traditional medicine is on maximizing the body’s innate ability to heal itself.

Budget 2026: Focus on Yoga And Ayurveda

Under Budget 2026-27, 1.5 lakh caregivers will be trained to provide yoga and Ayurveda-based services to improve access to wellness care while also creating large-scale employment opportunities. The proposal reflects the growing demand for traditional and preventive healthcare in India and abroad.

She also proposed setting up new All India Institutes of Ayurveda as part of the government’s push to expand traditional and modern healthcare infrastructure as well as to improve the quality of Ayurveda education and help standardise treatment practices across the country.

"I propose to set up three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda; Upgrade AYUSH pharmacies and drug testing labs and make available more skilled persons; Upgrade the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar," said Sitharaman.

Additionally, she noted that ancient Indian yoga received worldwide recognition after Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the initiative to introduce it at the United Nations.

“Ancient Indian yoga, already respected in several parts of the world, was given mass global recognition when PM took it to the UN. Post COVID, Ayurveda gained a similar global acceptance and recognition. Exporting quality Ayurvedic products helps farmers who grow the herbs and the youth who process the products. To meet growing global demand, a few more steps are being taken,” the FM said.

Focusing on the connection between traditional Indian medicine and medical tourism, Sonam Garg Sharma, Founder, Medical Linkers told Healthandme: "As a country, we are increasingly recognised for combining clinical excellence with value-driven care, and healthcare hubs that integrate advanced diagnostics, post-treatment rehabilitation, and AYUSH-led wellness therapies such as yoga and Ayurveda can take that advantage further by offering a truly end-to-end patient journey.

"This also adds meaningful momentum to India’s medical value tourism story, where outcomes, experience, and continuity of care matter as much as affordability."