Spa clients in Albuquerque, New Mexico, are being urged to get tested for HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) after the recipient of a “vampire facial” at the facility got an infection that may be linked to the facility, the New Mexico Department of Health reports.
According to state health officials, anyone who received any type of injection-related service at the VIP Spa on 809 Tijeras Avenue should be screened for potential blood-borne infections. The alert comes after a patient who received a so-called “vampire facial”—a procedure in which practitioners inject a client’s own blood to refresh the skin on their face—appears to have gotten an infection.
During a recent inspection of the VIP Spa by the NMDOH and the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department for Barbers and Cosmetologists, officials identified several troubling practices that could potentially spread diseases like HIV and hepatitis C, largely related to improper syringe storage, handling and disposal procedures. The VIP Spa was issued a cease and desist letter and was closed immediately.
Moving forward, the local Department of Health will be offering free and confidential lab testing for both viruses, as well as counseling services for clients of VIP Spa who may have been exposed at the facility.
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