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A viral Instagram video by Scott Whitehead has alarmed Washington residents, claiming to show 'parasites' emerging from their taps. The video, labeled 'scary breaking news,' has been shared over 130,000 times, raising concerns about water safety. FOX 13 reached out to Whitehead, who cited information from a cousin at a pet store. However, the Washington State Department of Health confirmed that there are no reports of such parasites in the water supply, emphasizing that strict federal, state, and local regulations make such incidents very unlikely. This incident highlights the critical issue of misinformation on social media, particularly as many Americans increasingly rely on influencers for news.

A UNESCO report indicates that over 60% of content creators do not fact-check their posts, while a Pew Research Center study found that one in five Americans depend on social media influencers for news. With Meta ending its fact-checking program, the need for accurate information is more urgent than ever.