Free Testing for Persons Who Received Any Injections,
Department of Health Offers Free Testing for Persons Who Received Any Injections, including Vampire Facials, at the VIP Spa in Albuquerque
The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) continues to strongly encourage clients of the VIP Spa in Albuquerque to come in for free and confidential Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and hepatitis B and C virus testing. NMDOH is investigating two cases of HIV infection among VIP Spa clients who received injection related procedures at the VIP Spa between May and September 2018. The NMDOH investigation has not identified potential exposures for HIV transmission other than the injection related procedures at the VIP Spa. Additional laboratory testing on specimens from the two clients indicates recent infection with the same HIV virus- increasing the likelihood that the two HIV infections may have resulted from a procedure at the VIP spa.
The VIP Spa closed on September 7, 2018 after an inspection by the NMDOH and the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, Barbers and Cosmetologists Board identified practices that could potentially spread blood-borne infections, such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C to clients.
“While over 100 VIP Spa clients have already been tested, NMDOH is reaching out to ensure that testing and counseling services are available for individuals who received injection related services at the VIP Spa,” said Kathy Kunkel, NMDOH Cabinet Secretary. “Testing is important for everyone as there are effective treatments for HIV and many hepatitis infections.”
Any persons desiring cosmetic services involving needle injections should verify the services are being provided by a licensed medical provider.
Two sites are offering the free testing services – the South Valley Health Commons located at 2001 El Centro Familiar SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105 on Tuesdays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed from 12-1:00 pm); and Casa de Salud Family Medical Office located at 1608 Isleta Blvd SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105 on Thursdays from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm.
For questions about NMDOH free and confidential laboratory testing and counseling services for clients of the VIP Spa or for an appointment for testing other than on Tuesday or Thursday, please contact the Midtown Public Health Office at (505) 670-8615 during regular business hours. After 5:00 pm or on weekends, contact the New Mexico Department of Health at (505) 827-0006.
Versión en Español
En un esfuerzo para hacer que nuestros comunicados de prensa sean más accesibles, también tenemos disponibles una versión en español. Por favor presione el enlace de abajo para acceder a la traducción.
Pruebas Gratuitas para Personas Quienes Recibieron Cualquiera de las Inyecciones