The Winnebago County Health Department has put out a statement after becoming aware of rumors of a Hepatitis A outbreak at a local business, rumors which had apparently become so prevalent they felt the need to respond publicly.

“If there was an outbreak of Hepatitis A, the Winnebago County Health Department would take the appropriate actions to prevent and contain the spread of the infection and would work with our media partners to help inform the public. The Winnebago County Health Department routinely monitors for the presence of communicable diseases on a daily and weekly basis,” said Winnebago County Health Department Administrator, Dr. Sandra Martell in a statement.