Three women have been diagnosed with HIV after undergoing “vampire facials”, in what appears to be the first time the virus has been contracted through a cosmetic procedure using needles.
The diagnosis of a woman in her 40s, who was receiving treatment at an unlicensed clinic in New Mexico, sparked an investigation into the spa.
It was found that from 2018 to 2023, the spa would have reused disposable equipment intended for single use, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The risk of HIV transmission from blood contaminated by an unsterile injection is well known, but the CDC said this is the first documented case of infections involving cosmetic services.
Once diagnosed, the virus can damage immune system cells, affecting how a person fights everyday infections and illnesses.
There is currently no cure but very effective drug treatments.
A “vampire facial,” also known as a platelet-rich plasma microneedling procedure, involves using the client’s blood, separating its components, and using tiny needles to inject plasma into the face to rejuvenate the skin.
Reality TV star Kim Kardashian previously underwent this procedure during an episode of the Keeping Up With the Kardashians spinoff, Kim and Kourtney Take Miami, in 2013.
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Many other cosmetic procedures also involve needles, including Botox to remove wrinkles, plump lips, or get a tattoo.
The New Mexico spa closed in 2018 after the state health department first launched an investigation.
Its owner was prosecuted for practicing medicine without a license.
The CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Report says the incident shows how important it is for customers to ask a company offering cosmetic procedures using needles about their infection control practices.
He also noted that the investigation had been slowed by poor record-keeping at the spa and said companies providing such services should keep better records in case customers need to be contacted later.
