Three Women Contract HIV After 'Vampire Facial' Procedures at New Mexico Spa

Three women in New Mexico contracted HIV after receiving 'vampire facial' procedures at an unlicensed medical spa between 2018 and 2023, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This is believed to be the first documented cases of HIV transmission through a cosmetic procedure using needles.

The New Mexico Department of Health began investigating the VIP Spa in Albuquerque in 2018 after a woman in her 40s with no known risk factors tested positive for HIV following a vampire facial procedure at the clinic. Further investigation revealed that the spa was reusing disposable equipment intended for one-time use, leading to the HIV infections.

State inspectors found numerous health and safety violations at the VIP Spa, including unlabeled tubes filled with blood, unwrapped syringes, and equipment being improperly reused. The spa was shut down in 2018, and its owner, Maria Ramos de Ruiz, was prosecuted for practicing medicine without a license. She pleaded guilty to five felony counts and was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison.

Why this matters: This case highlights the serious health risks associated with receiving cosmetic procedures from unlicensed providers. It emphasizes the importance of proper infection control practices and oversight of facilities offering procedures that involve needles or blood to prevent the transmission of HIV and other blood-borne pathogens.

Public health investigators determined that other women with HIV had used the VIP Spa, and they theorized that the reuse of needles or blood was the likely cause of the HIV transmission. The 'vampire facials' involved injecting clients with their own blood through microneedles to supposedly stimulate collagen and new skin cell growth.

Experts warn that while vampire facials can be done safely by licensed, reputable providers, there are risks with any procedures involving needles, and the danger comes from unsafe, unsanitary practices. The CDC report highlights the importance of requiring proper infection control practices at businesses offering cosmetic procedures involving needles, and the need for better record-keeping to facilitate contact tracing if issues arise.

In response to this incident, the New Mexico Department of Health offered free HIV testing to 59 clients who had visited the VIP Spa. Two additional women who received vampire facials at the spa tested positive for HIV. "Individuals who are considering any type of cosmetic procedure involving needles should verify the services are being provided by a licensed medical provider," said New Mexico Department of Health Cabinet Secretary Kathy Kunkel in a statement.

Key Takeaways

• 3 women in NM contracted HIV from 'vampire facials' at unlicensed spa.
• Spa reused disposable equipment, leading to HIV infections.
• Spa owner prosecuted for practicing medicine without a license.
• Importance of proper infection control for cosmetic procedures involving needles.
• NM offered free HIV testing to 59 spa clients, 2 more tested positive.