Three women in New Mexico diagnosed with HIV following ‘vampire facials’ at unlicensed clinic
Three women have been diagnosed with HIV after receiving “vampire facials,” marking the first known cases of the virus being transmitted through a cosmetic procedure involving needles.
The discovery of a woman in her 40s contracting HIV after undergoing the treatment at an unlicensed clinic in New Mexico prompted an investigation into the spa.
An investigation by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that from 2018 to 2023, the spa allegedly reused disposable equipment meant for single use, compromising hygiene standards.
While the risk of HIV transmission through contaminated blood via unsterile injections is well-known, this is the first documented case of infections related to cosmetic services.
Once infected, the virus can damage the immune system’s cells, impacting the body’s ability to fight off infections and diseases.
Although there is currently no cure for HIV, there are highly effective drug treatments available.
A “vampire facial,” also known as platelet-rich plasma microneedling, involves using the client’s own blood, separating its components, and injecting plasma back into the face to rejuvenate the skin.
Reality TV personality Kim Kardashian famously underwent the procedure on an episode of the show Kim and Kourtney Take Miami in 2013.
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Many cosmetic procedures involve the use of needles, such as Botox injections for wrinkle reduction or lip augmentation, as well as tattooing.
The New Mexico spa was shut down in 2018 following the state health department’s investigation, and the owner faced legal action for practicing medicine without a license.
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The CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality report highlighted the importance of customers inquiring about a business’s infection control practices when considering cosmetic procedures involving needles.
The report also emphasized the significance of maintaining proper records, as the investigation into the spa was hindered by inadequate record-keeping practices, suggesting that businesses offering such services should improve their record-keeping practices for future client contact purposes.
