New HIV Case Linked to “Vampire Facial” at New Mexico Spa, Years after Closure
A new HIV case has been connected to a “vampire facial” at a spa in New Mexico, according to state health officials. The patient’s only self-reported HIV risk exposure was a vampire facial they received at VIP Spa in Albuquerque back in 2018, the New Mexico Department of Health reported.
The spa client recently tested positive for HIV in 2023, even though the spa closed in September of 2018 after state inspectors identified practices that could potentially spread blood-borne infections such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C to clients. At the time of the initial investigation, two other clients had tested positive for HIV.
During a vampire facial, a patient’s blood is drawn and then components of the blood are injected back into the face using micro needles. This procedure is often lauded for reducing pore size and helping with fine lines to rejuvenate the skin.
In light of this new case, the health department is urging former clients who had any type of injection-related service at VIP Spa, including vampire facials or Botox injections, to get tested for HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Although more than 100 former clients were tested in 2018 and 2019 as part of the initial investigation, the health officials are recommending retesting for all former VIP clients, even if they initially tested negative.
Dr. Laura Parajon, the deputy secretary for the health department said, “It’s very important that we spread the word and remind people who received any kind of injection-related services provided at the VIP Spa to come in for free and confidential testing.”
This recent development has led the health department to identify additional HIV infections with “direct or indirect connection with services provided” at VIP Spa. However, the department has not disclosed the exact number of people who tested positive for HIV or clarified what qualifies as an indirect connection.
Vampire facials became trendy in 2013 when Kim Kardashian posted an Instagram photo of herself undergoing the facial at a different spa facility. However, Kim Kardashian has since expressed her opposition to the procedure.
Furthermore, the former VIP Spa owner, Maria Ramos de Ruiz, pleaded guilty in June of 2022 to five felony counts of practicing medicine without a license. She was subsequently sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison.
The New Mexico Department of Health is continuing to investigate the situation and has not yet released any additional information.