People who received a"vampire" facial at a now-shuttered spa in New Mexico are being encouraged to get tested for blood-borne infections, including HIV. The treatment involves drawing blood from a customer's arm, extracting the plasma and injecting into the same person's face.
Health concerns in New MexicoIn 2018, VIP Spa in Albuquerque was closed after an inspection by the state health department. Inspectors said they identified practices that could potentially spread blood-borne illnesses, including HIV and hepatitis. The practices included not properly cleaning, storing and labeling syringes.
Why should people be tested now?The health department reports that another person who received a vampire facial at VIP Spa in 2018 just learned they have HIV.