Coronavirus

Actions

Lorain County Public Health issues warning about fake COVID-19 remedy containing bleach being sold locally

Lorain Fake COVID Remedy.jpg
Posted at 2:28 PM, Apr 09, 2021
and last updated 2021-04-09 14:28:47-04

LORAIN, Ohio — Health officials in Lorain County are advising residents to be wary of homemade COVID-19 remedies being sold locally that are specifically targeting the Latino and immigrant community.

"Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, misinformation and fake news have circulated more quickly than ever. Lorain County Public Health advises residents to be cautious of health products and stories that seem too good to be true," the organization said. "Unfortunately, false claims and misinformation continue to circulate. A dangerous liquid is being sold locally — it is just one of many frauds on the Internet and shared in social circles."

LCPH said the fake product claims it can prevent or cure COVID-19. The product, which appears to be a homemade mixture of sorts, was tested and found to contain "many dangerous chemicals, including chlorine bleach disinfectant."

Health officials said to keep these tips in mind to help identify false or misleading claims:

  • Be suspicious of products that claim to treat a wide range of diseases.
  • Personal testimonials are no substitute for scientific evidence.
  • Few diseases or conditions can be treated quickly, so be suspicious of any therapy claimed as a “quick fix.”
  • If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
  • Miracle cures that claim scientific breakthroughs or contain secret ingredients are likely a hoax.

“Products and home remedy mixtures that claim to cure or prevent COVID-19 are dangerous and a waste of money,” said Dave Covell, health commissioner at LCPH.

The safest way to prevent COVID-19 infection is by getting vaccinated, LCPH said.

RELATED: Johnson & Johnson vaccine available later this month at the Wolstein Center

Additional Coronavirus information and resources:

Vaccinating Ohio - Find the latest news on the COVID-19 vaccines, Ohio's phased vaccination process, a map of vaccination clinics around the state, and links to sign up for a vaccination appointment through Ohio's online portal.

See complete coverage on our Coronavirus Continuing Coverage page.

See data visualizations showing the impact of coronavirus in Ohio, including county-by-county maps, charts showing the spread of the disease, and more.

Rebound Northeast Ohio News 5's initiative to help people through the financial impact of the coronavirus by offering one place to go for information on everything available to help and how to access it. We're providing resources on:

Getting Back to Work - Learn about the latest job openings, how to file for benefits and succeed in the job market.

Making Ends Meet - Find help on topics from rent to food to new belt-tightening techniques.

Managing the Stress - Feeling isolated or frustrated? Learn ways to connect with people virtually, get counseling or manage your stress.

Doing What's Right - Keep track of the way people are spending your tax dollars and treating your community.

We're Open! Northeast Ohio is place created by News 5 to open us up to new ways of thinking, new ways of gathering and new ways of supporting each other.

View a map of COVID-19 testing locations here.

Visit Ohio's Coronavirus website for the latest updates from the Ohio Department of Health.

View a global coronavirus tracker with data from Johns Hopkins University.