New HIV case linked to vampire facial at closed New Mexico spa

A new case of HIV has been linked to a “vampire facial” procedure at a now-closed spa in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The state’s Department of Health reopened its investigation into the spa, called VIP Beauty Salon and Spa, after two previous cases of HIV were connected to injection-related procedures at the facility in 2019. The department is recommending former clients who received injection-related services, including vampire facials and Botox, to be tested for HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. The spa closed in 2018 due to unsafe practices that could potentially spread blood-borne infections. The owner of the spa pleaded guilty to practicing medicine without a license in June 2022. The vampire facial involves injecting plasma from the patient’s own blood into the face using a micro-needling pen, and infections could occur if improper sterilization or cross-contamination of equipment took place.

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