Health authorities in Dalian, Northeast China's Liaoning Province, refuted viral rumors on Friday about an alleged 'XK5 virus' infection in the city. The rumors, which spread widely on social media platforms including Douyin, claimed that the virus caused four fatalities in "Liaoning Third Hospital," infected thousands of people, and forced a group of doctors into isolation.

In a WeChat statement, officials from the Dalian health commission clarified that no such virus has been detected domestically or internationally. They described the disinformation as "old rumors repackaged," noting that similar misleading information has circulated online in the past.

A Global Times reporter found no record of a "Liaoning Third Hospital." While a similarly named "Liaoning No.3 People's Hospital" does exist, it is actually a mental health center focusing on psychiatric treatment.

The commission urged the public not to be misled by false information or spread unverified claims. Officials emphasized that official statements are the most reliable source for infectious disease updates and urged the public to stay vigilant against misinformation.

Global Times