Two people in New Mexico have tested positive for HIV after receiving "vampire facials."
According to reports, the VIP Spa in Albuquerque shut down last year after reports of an "unspecified infection" being transmitted to its visitors. Now, it has been made public that two visitors had contracted HIV after getting a vampire facial. A vampire facial is the common term for PRP (platelet-rich plasma) treatments. These treatments typically involve blood from a customer's arm being extracted for the platelet-rich plasma via a centrifuge and then reapplied to the person's face. While doing this could leave the patient with a more youthful appearance, if not done correctly one could be subjected to blood-borne infections.
Per the New Mexico Department of Health, this is what led to the VIP Spa infection. After conducting an investigation, the department concluded that unsafe storage and handling of needles caused the patrons to contract HIV. The New Mexico Department of Health has since released a statement urging customers who have received vampire facials from the VIP Spa in May or June of 2018 to test for HIV and Hepatitis A and B. These test may be administered for free.
"While over 100 VIP Spa clients have already been tested, NMDOH is reaching out to ensure that testing and counseling services are available for individuals who received injection related services at the VIP Spa," Secretary of Health Kathy Kunkel said. "Testing is important for everyone as there are effective treatments for HIV and many hepatitis infections."
