Albuquerque, April 27: Is the pursuit of youth and beauty worth the risk of contracting a deadly disease? For three women who underwent vampire facials at an unlicensed spa in New Mexico, the answer is tragically clear.  According to a CDC report, these individuals likely contracted HIV from the procedure, marking the first documented cases of the virus being spread through cosmetic injection services.

As per the CDC report, in the summer of 2018, a woman in her 40s received a shocking diagnosis of HIV despite lacking any known risk factors for the virus. Her only recent exposure to needles was during a vampire facial procedure at the VIP Spa in New Mexico's Albuquerque. Two other patients who also underwent vampire facials in 2018 later tested positive for HIV, raising alarming concerns about the safety of cosmetic injection services. Period Blood As Face Mask? Woman Goes Viral for This 'Ancient Feminine Secret to Glowing Young Skin'! Here's Why Experts Strictly Warn Against It.

As per a report by the Independent, vampire facials, endorsed by celebrities like Kim Kardashian, involve injecting platelet-rich plasma into the skin using microneedles to rejuvenate the complexion. However, the CDC's investigation revealed that these procedures were performed at an unlicensed facility with appalling sanitation practices. During an inspection, authorities uncovered unlabeled tubes of blood, medical injectables stored alongside food, and unwrapped syringes scattered throughout the spa. US: Woman-Only Naked Spa Must Allow Trans Women Who Still Have Male Genitals, Orders Washington Judge.

According to a CBS News report, the spa's owner, Maria Ramos de Ruiz, pleaded guilty to practising medicine without a license in 2022, underscoring the need for stricter regulations in the cosmetic industry. As investigations continue, the CDC emphasizes the need for stringent infection control measures at cosmetic injection service facilities to prevent similar outbreaks. The agency also highlights the importance of FDA-approved products and licensed providers.

Meanwhile, the CDC is also investigating a multi-state outbreak of botulism linked to counterfeit Botox injections administered outside healthcare settings. This shocking case serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with cosmetic procedures performed in unregulated settings. People considering such treatments are urged to prioritise safety by choosing licensed and reputable providers.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 27, 2024 01:22 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).