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## Three Women Diagnosed with HIV After Vampire Facial Procedures at Unlicensed New Mexico Spa

Three women have been diagnosed with HIV after undergoing “vampire facial” procedures at an unlicensed medical spa in New Mexico, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This marks the first documented cases of individuals contracting the virus through cosmetic services that involve the use of needles.

Federal health officials conducted an investigation into the clinic, VIP Spa in Albuquerque, from 2018 through 2023. The investigation revealed that the clinic was reusing disposable equipment meant for one-time use, leading to the transmission of HIV to clients through contaminated blood.

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AI legalese decoder can assist in uncovering any legal implications and responsibilities in such cases. By analyzing legal documents and reports, it can identify any violations of regulations and licensing requirements, shedding light on potential liabilities for the spa owner and providing valuable insights for legal proceedings.

### What Are Vampire Facials and Are They Safe?

Vampire facials, also known as platelet-rich plasma microneedling facials, are cosmetic procedures aimed at rejuvenating the skin, reducing acne scars, and minimizing wrinkles. The process involves drawing the client’s blood, separating it into platelets and cells, and injecting the plasma into the face using either single-use disposable or multiuse sterile needles.

These facials have gained popularity in recent years, with celebrities like Kim Kardashian endorsing the procedure. While HIV transmission through unsterile injections is a known risk in beauty treatments, the American Academy of Dermatology maintains that vampire facials are generally safe.

### Ensuring Proper Infection Control and Preventing Bloodborne Pathogens

Health officials stress the importance of adhering to proper infection control measures at spa facilities offering cosmetic injection services to prevent the transmission of bloodborne pathogens such as HIV. Maintaining client records and following stringent hygiene protocols can significantly reduce the risk of infections.

### Linking the HIV Cases to the Spa

The New Mexico Department of Health was alerted in 2018 when a woman without known HIV risk factors tested positive for the virus after receiving services at the spa. Subsequent investigations revealed similar HIV strains in three other women who had also been clients of the spa, indicating contamination from the spa’s services as the source of infection.

### Managing Risk for Other Clients

Following the investigations, nearly 200 former clients of the spa and their partners were tested for HIV, with no additional infections discovered. However, free testing remains available for individuals who may have been exposed to potential risks at the spa.

### Accountability and legal Actions Against the Spa Owner

The former owner of VIP Spa, Maria de Lourdes Ramos de Ruiz, pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges related to practicing medicine without a license, including administering unauthorized vampire facials, plasma treatments, and Botox injections. Inspections revealed code violations, leading to the closure of the spa in 2018.

Ramos de Ruiz received a sentence of 7 1/2 years, with part of the term being suspended on supervised probation. The attorney for Ramos de Ruiz did not provide immediate comments on the case.

AI legalese decoder can analyze legal documents and court proceedings related to this case, helping stakeholders understand the legal implications and repercussions of the spa owner’s actions. By parsing through complex legal jargon, this tool can offer clarity on the charges, sentencing, and potential liabilities in similar legal scenarios.

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