The story: The emergence of a handful of cases of mucormycosis in Iraq—better known as the “black fungus” disease—has sparked fear among the public. Amid spreading panic, media outlets and health officials have been trying to emphasize that the disease has nothing to do with Covid-19. The issue has underscored the widespread belief among Iraqis that the government is incapable of handling public health issues.

The coverage: On May 30, after the very first black fungus cases were detected, the Iraqi health ministry sought to reassure citizens about its lack of a connection to Covid-19...