SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — The government is warning consumers not to get duped by fraudulent coronavirus test kits.
As COVID-19 fears spread, the U.S. FDA is warning Americans about fake "diagnostic, prevention and treatment claims" the agency is beginning to see appear in the market.
Currently, there is no approved home testing kit for coronavirus available for consumers, according to the FDA.
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"The FDA has not authorized any test that is available to purchase for testing yourself at home for COVID-19. The FDA sees the public health value in expanding the availability of COVID-19 testing through safe and accurate tests that may include home collection, and we are actively working with test developers in this space," the agency said in a release.
The problem with the fake kits, other than being fraudulent, is they could delay consumers from seeking medical care. Anyone who believes they have symptoms resembling the novel coronavirus (which are fever, coughing, and shortness of breath) is asked to contact their medical provider, who will help determine if they need to be tested.
"We have already identified and issued warning letters to companies found selling and promoting fraudulent items, and we expect additional such actions will be forthcoming," the FDA said.
Anyone who believes they have found a vendor selling fake testing kits can report them to the FDA.