In a shocking turn of events, a day spa in Albuquerque, New Mexico has been linked to five cases of HIV nearly six years after it was shut down for offering ‘vampire facials’. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released a report detailing the cases, stressing the importance of rapid contact tracing and regulation of invasive treatments.
The infections were traced back to the unlicensed operator of the spa who performed the controversial vampire facials, a procedure that involves drawing blood, separating platelets, and reinjecting them into the skin. The investigation also uncovered unsanitary practices at the spa, including the storage of blood and injectables in a kitchen refrigerator alongside food, as well as the use of unwrapped syringes.
Spa owner Maria de Lourdes Ramos De Ruiz pleaded guilty to practicing medicine without a license and has been sentenced to jail. She has also been ordered to pay restitution to those infected. The New Mexico Department of Health faced challenges in identifying and contacting all potentially affected clients due to incomplete spa records, highlighting the need for better record-keeping in such facilities.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with unregulated beauty and wellness treatments. Consumers are urged to research and choose reputable establishments when seeking out cosmetic procedures to avoid potential health hazards. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
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