First confirmed cases of HIV transmission through cosmetic needles

THAT Centers for Disease Control and Prevention The US said last week in its Morbidity and Mortality Report that an investigation of the clinic between 2018 and 2023 found it apparently reused disposable equipment intended for single use.

Although transmission of HIV through contaminated blood during unsterile injections is a well-known risk, the report says this is the first to document possible infections associated with cosmetic services.

Many popular cosmetic procedures are performed using needles, such as Botox for wrinkles and fillers for plumping lips. “Vampire facial” or procedure microneedling Platelet-rich plasma involves drawing the client’s blood, separating the components, and then using tiny needles to inject the plasma into the face to rejuvenate the skin. Tattooing also requires needles.

The New Mexico Department of Health began investigating the resort in the summer of 2018 after being told a woman in her 40s tested positive for HIV despite having no known risk factors. The woman said that during a procedure at the clinic in the spring, she was exposed to needles.

The resort closed in the fall of 2018 after an investigation began, and its owner was prosecuted for practicing medicine without a license.

The report said the survey showed how important it is to require infection control measures at companies offering cosmetic procedures using needles.

He also notes that the investigation was slowed by poor record-keeping and says companies providing such services should do better record-keeping in case clients need to be contacted later.