The rumors regarding a tattoo parlor in Bonners Ferry spreading hepatitis are false.

The gossip has really upset Christian McCarthy, owner of Purple Frog Tattoo at 6412 Kootenai St.

“I have worked really hard to keep a sterile environment,” said McCartney, a licensed tattoo artist. “I use the strictest sterilization practices and techniques in the county.”

Since hepatitis is a reportable disease, any tattoo shop suspected of spreading the disease would be investigated.

“We have not heard anything and any of our recent cases have not been linked back to any tattoo parlors,” said David Hylski with the Panhandle Heath District. “Any acute infections we would investigate. Tattoos are a risk factor, but we haven’t had any cases in recent history related to tattoo parlors.”

“At this point it is all rumor,” added Diane Blanford with Panhandle Health Clinic in Bonners Ferry. “We have heard nothing.”

Since the tattoo shop opened earlier this year, he has done close to 100 tattoos. No one has come back with any sort of infection or problem, according to McCartney.

“If the shop is still up and running, there are no cases,” said McCartney. “The health district would shut us down the minute they heard anything about it.”

“If anyone has questions, they are more than welcome to come and talk to us,” he added.

All tattoos and piercings are done with single-use needles; the artist uses sanitary gloves for both.