Dangerous fanaticism in Brazil (and in the world) at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Introduction: There has been a global rise in denialist movements. During the COVID-19 pandemic, incorrect information about purportedly effective treatments was disseminated, notably in countries led by populist leaders, including Brazil. Objective: To analyze how scientific denial movements were consolidated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: An analysis was conducted on evidence regarding the consolidation of these movements in Brazil, focusing on the role of social media groups and organized sectors. Results: In Brazil, specific segments, including parts of the medical community, were observed to support denialist movements. A resistance to science and the press was identified, accompanied by aggressive reactions against opposing views. Conclusion: The study highlights the risks associated with the consolidation of such movements in Brazil and emphasizes the need for organized societal responses to mitigate their impacts.