They identify first documented cases of HIV due to “vampire facials”

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Three women who were diagnosed with HIV after undergoing “vampire facials” at an unauthorized New Mexico medical spa would be the first documented cases of people contracting the virus through a cosmetic procedure involving needles, US health officials said.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in its Morbidity and Mortality Report released last week that an investigation of the clinic conducted between 2018 and 2023 revealed that equipment was apparently reused. disposables intended for single use.

Although HIV transmission through contaminated blood through unsterilized injections is a well-known risk, the report says this is the first documented case of probable infections from cosmetic services.

Many popular cosmetic treatments are administered with needles, such as Botox to eliminate wrinkles and fillers to plump lips. A “vampire facial,” or platelet-rich plasma microneedling procedure, involves drawing the client’s own blood, separating its components, and then using small needles to inject plasma into the face to rejuvenate the skin. Tattoos also require needles.

The New Mexico Department of Health began investigating the spa in mid-2018, after a woman in her 40s was notified that she tested positive for HIV even though she had no known risk factors. The woman reported that she was exposed to needles during the procedure at the clinic a few months ago.

The spa closed in late 2018 after the investigation began and its owner was prosecuted for practicing medicine without a license.

The report says the investigation revealed the importance of requiring infection control practices in establishments that offer cosmetic needle procedures.

He also noted that the investigation was delayed by poor record-keeping and said establishments that provide these services should better maintain documentation in case customers need to be contacted later.