Here in Balkans too many people unironically believe that planes fart some smoke poison or whatever from contrails to make new diseases which is why there are supposed new viruses in Balkans and whatnot. Supposed ''proof'' for this are some random scientists and labs in Croatia, Hungary and Poland which ''studied'' these chemicals...
They won't shut up about it, what the hell are they talking about and how to put an end to this bullshit? This population went insane I swear...
I'd add that it's not just a lack of quality scientific education, but an intentionally-taught distrust of academics and intellectuals. At least here in the US, there's a trend in politics and media to encourage distrust and contempt for scientists. Typically the ringleaders are Christian fundamentalists who dislike scientists whose research validates concepts that contradict their teachings, and believe that Christian "scientists" who concoct conspiracy theories are unfairly shunned and censored by a cabal of corrupt, godless scientists. Most of the anti-science crowd here supports older, discredited sciences that align with Christian theology - at least the racist, colonial-settler flavor of Christianity.