Three Women in New Mexico Likely Contract HIV from “Vampire Facials”
In a shocking turn of events, three women in New Mexico have likely contracted HIV while receiving “vampire facials” at an unlicensed spa. This marks the first-known potential transmission of HIV through cosmetic injections, announced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The investigation began when a woman tested positive for HIV in 2018 after receiving a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) microneedling procedure at the spa. By 2019, five HIV patients were identified, including four women and one man who was a sexual partner of one of the women.
The CDC found an HIV cluster associated with cosmetic injection services at the unlicensed facility, which did not adhere to recommended infection control procedures. Poor infection control practices were observed during an inspection of the spa, including unlabeled tubes of blood, syringes found in drawers and regular trash cans, and improper sterilization practices.
Specifically, the spa did not have an autoclave for sterilization and used surface cleaning methods that were not adequate. A vampire facial procedure, which is meant to treat signs of aging skin, takes about 45 minutes to one hour, although there is little evidence of its effectiveness.
The CDC emphasized the importance of following proper infection control measures to prevent transmission of infections like HIV. This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with cosmetic procedures at unlicensed facilities. The Liberty Conservative will continue to monitor this developing story.
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