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Trendy “Vampire Facials” Increases HIV Infections
A disturbing outbreak of HIV infections linked to vampire facials performed at an unlicensed spa in New Mexico has left health officials perplexed and concerned. This marks the first time in history that cosmetic procedures have been associated with such a serious and potentially life-threatening outbreak. A detailed report of the investigation, published recently, sheds light on the severity and scope of the issue.
An Unprecedented Outbreak
Last year, state health officials first reported on the cluster of cases linked to the spa, which had already been closed in September 2018. However, the recent investigation report provides invaluable insight into the situation. Five individuals were found to have contracted HIV infections from the spa, prompting investigators to reach out to almost 200 former clients for testing and monitoring. The report was featured in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Startling Discoveries
The investigation commenced when a woman in her 40s to 50s tested positive for HIV during a trip abroad in the summer of 2018. She was found to have a stage 1 acute infection, which was unexpected and alarming. The woman had no identifiable risk factors for HIV transmission, with no history of drug use, blood transfusions, or a positive sexual partner. However, she did disclose having undergone a vampire facial treatment at VIP Spa in Albuquerque in the spring of 2018.
Vampire facial procedures involve drawing a patient’s blood, separating plasma from blood cells, and injecting the platelet-rich plasma into the face. Despite minimal scientific evidence supporting its benefits, the treatment claims to rejuvenate and enhance skin appearance, receiving endorsements from celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Kim Kardashian.
Further investigations at VIP Spa uncovered shocking conditions, with unwrapped syringes, unlabelled blood samples, and unsanitary practices being prevalent. The unlicensed spa lacked proper sterilization equipment and protocols, with equipment being reused and stored improperly. This gross negligence was considered a serious health risk and led to the rapid closure of the establishment. The owner faced legal consequences for practicing medicine without a license and is currently serving a prison sentence.
Challenges and Consequences
Subsequent cases of HIV linked to the spa emerged in 2018 and 2021, with infected individuals developing severe stage 3 infections, progressing to AIDS. The investigations underscored the difficulties in tracing and monitoring clients due to language barriers and incomplete records from the spa. Despite extensive testing and genetic sequencing, the exact mechanism of HIV transmission within the spa remains unclear.
The investigation authors emphasize the critical need to identify unique sources of HIV transmission in individuals with no discernible risk factors. The alarming outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent regulations, oversight, and adherence to medical standards in cosmetic procedures to prevent future public health crises.
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