New HIV case linked to ‘vampire facials’ at New Mexico spa

A new case of HIV has been linked to a “vampire facial” at a New Mexico spa, years after the business closed, state health officials said Wednesday.

The only patient-reported exposure to HIV risk was a vampire facial they received at VIP Spa in Albuquerque in 2018, the New Mexico Department of Health reported.

The spa’s client tested positive in 2023, but the spa closed in September 2018 after state inspectors identified practices that could spread blood-borne infections such as HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C to the clients. At the time of the initial investigation, two more customers had tested positive by HIV

During a vampire facial, a patient’s blood is drawn and then blood components are injected into the face using micro needles. The procedure has been reported to reduce pore size and help with fine lines to rejuvenate the skin.

The health department is urging former clients who had any type of injection-related service, including a vampire facial or Botox injections at the VIP spa, to get tested for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. More than 100 former clients were tested in 2018. and 2019 as part of the initial investigation, but health officials said former VIP customers should be retested, even if they initially tested negative.

“It is very important that we spread the word and remind people who received any type of injection related to the services provided at the VIP Spa to come for free and confidential testing,” said Dr. Laura Parajon, assistant secretary of the health department . .

As of Wednesday, the health department said it has identified additional HIV infections with “direct or indirect connection to services provided” at VIP Spa. The department has not said how many people tested positive for HIV and did not specify what is considered an indirect connection. CBS News has reached out to the health department for clarification.

Vampire facials gained popularity when Kim Kardashian she posted a photo of herself on Instagram after undergoing the facial in 2013 at a different spa facility. Since then, he has spoken out against the procedure.

Former owner of the VIP spa Maria Ramos de Ruiz pleaded guilty in June 2022 to five felony counts of practicing medicine without a license, CBS affiliate KRQE reported. She was sentenced to three and a half years in prison.