CNN
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The New Mexico Department of Health announced that the new HIV cases were linked to a “vampire facial” at an Albuquerque spa that closed in 2018. this week.
The only HIV risk reported by patients in 2023 was a “vampire facial” received at a VIP beauty salon and spa in 2018. Two cases of HIV infection linked to injection-related procedures at the spa were previously reported in 2019, according to the ministry.
The health ministry has announced it has reopened its investigations into spas and is recommending that former clients who have received injection-related services such as vampire facials and Botox be tested for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. bottom.
As part of an initial investigation, the state health department tested more than 100 spa customers. The agency said Wednesday that former customers must be retested even if previous tests were negative.
“It is very important that we disseminate information and encourage people who have received injections of any kind related to the services offered at VIP spas to undergo free and confidential testing,” said Deputy Health Secretary Laura. Dr. Parajohn said. in a news release.
The spa closed in 2018 after a state inspection found unsafe practices that could spread bloodborne infections to customers.
As of July 5, the health ministry said it had identified additional HIV-positive people “directly or indirectly associated with services provided at VIP spas” but did not disclose the number.
The spa owner pleaded guilty in June 2022 to five felony counts of practicing medicine without a license, the health ministry announced this week.
Also called vampire facial Plasma rich protein facialwhich involves injecting plasma into the skin of the face using a tool called a microneedle pen. That plasma is usually obtained from your own blood. For example, infections can occur when microneedle tips or syringes are reused, or when another patient’s blood is used to perform a facial.
CNN’s Jacqueline Howard contributed to this report.
