Hugh Hefner denies virus outbreak rumours

LONDON - A representative for Playboy owner Hugh Hefner has shot down reports that a fog machine used at a recent party is to blame for a virus outbreak among a group of guests.

Hefner’s California house at the centre of an investigation by officials at the Los Angeles County Health Department after it played host to a fundraiser as part of the Domainfest conference earlier this month.

According to reports, around 80 attendees were diagnosed with Legionellosis or pontiac fever - a milder strain of the pneumonia-type Legionnaires’ disease, caused by bacteria - hours after celebrating at the Hefner’s mansion, reports contactmusic.com.

“There were events every night, and we are giving them a list of all the venues. We have no idea what this is or where it came from. The Mansion being to blame is at the moment, pure speculation,” said a Domainfest spokesperson.

However, Hefner’s representative has denied the allegations altogether - because others present at the bash have not experienced any symptoms.

The publicist states: “There is no truth in the rumour that anyone caught anything at the Playboy Mansion. Nor is there any evidence. None of the Playboy staff became ill, the deejay was in the middle of the fog and she didn’t get ill.

“We have been contacted by the Health Department and the Playboy Mansion is cooperating fully with the investigation.”