The New Mexico Department of Health is urging former customers of a now-defunct VIP beauty salon and spa in Albuquerque to get tested for HIV and other bloodborne infections. Health officials have identified several new cases of HIV this year linked to services offered by spas, including so-called “vampire facials.” The spa closed in 2018 due to unsafe practices that exposed customers to these infections.
vampire facial This is a type of microneedling procedure in which small needles pierce the skin to stimulate healing and collagen production in the surrounding area. In the Vampire Facial, platelet-rich blood is added to the skin to ostensibly enhance this healing ability, A dramatic bloody look.
there is only limited evidence This suggests that platelet-rich blood may provide additional benefits for skin care.But the procedure itself should usually be low There is a risk because the blood is believed to be sourced from the same person undergoing the facial treatment.However, IIf the tools used for the Vampire Facial are not properly sterilized for each client, Cross-contamination is possible. And that’s exactly what happened at the VIP Beauty Salon & Spa.
About five years ago, the New Mexico Department of Health, the New Mexico Department of Regulatory and Licensing, and the Board of Barbers and Beauticians conducted an investigation into spas that could spread blood-borne diseases such as HIV. identified behavior. As a result, the spa he closed completely in September 2018. Over the next two years, more than 100 former customers were tested for these infections, and in 2019, two cases of HIV potentially linked to the spa were discovered. And in June 2022, the spa owner pleaded guilty to five counts, according to the Department of Health. Practicing medicine without a license is a felony.
Unfortunately, the Ministry of Health’s Communicable Diseases Department received a report this year of new confirmed cases of HIV. The patient had no self-reported risk factors other than having a vampire facial at the spa in 2018. The incident prompted the ministry to reopen HIV cases.investigation And then I found several other HIV-infected people who were directly or indirectly associated with the spa.
Health officials are urging anyone who has had injection-related services, including a vampire facial, at a VIP spa to be tested for HIV, Hepatitis B, And a laboratory test for hepatitis C. Importantly, even those who test first If the initial test was negative, they were asked to be retested.
New Mexico Department of Health Deputy Secretary of Health Laura Palajon said, “It is very important to spread the word and encourage people who have had injections related to services offered at VIP spas to undergo free and confidential testing.” said. ,and statement.
The New Mexico Department of Health is organizing three walk-in testing events for former customers this month at the South Valley Public Health Office in Albuquerque, two of which are still available. People should also be able to book free and confidential tests at other public health departments in New Mexico. You can also find information about other inspection services in the state. here.
