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SANTA FE, MN (KRQE) – The New Mexico Department of Health is getting closer to the heart of Albuquerque. Two customers have tested positive for the HIV virus, increasing the likelihood they got it from the same procedure.
When patients of the VIP Spa were first diagnosed with a problem, they were terrified.
"More recently in this year, we have been notified of a second infection," said Dr. Tierney Murphy, New Mexico Department of Health.
Now, with two confirmed cases of HIV, the Department of Health has had an "injection-related procedure" at the spa. That includes procedures like the facial vampire, which stars like Kim Kardashian have had done.
The procedure takes samples of your blood, extracts the plasma, then injects it back into your face with needles.
"The likelihood that this is a result of a procedure at the spa are high," said Dr. Murphy.
The Department of Health says the aesthetics of the business was using unsafe practices that could spread HIV infections, and Hepatitis B and C. So far, more than 130 train clients have come forward to get tested.
"That's way beyond the scope of practice as an aesthetician, so we would not like it," said Kathy Ortiz, Deputy Director for Boards and Commissions.
The Regulation and Licensing Department submitted a cease and desist order on the business last fall. Today, the building now looks different then it did, with no sign the business was ever there.
"First off, she did not have a license, so said that we were able to close the establishment," said Ortiz.
She said the Regulation and Licensing Department is required to do inspections like this every 18 months. They had previously inspected the VIP Spa owner, but not at that location.
"We did not inspect it before, but we did not have it at all."
The Department of Health warns anyone who is considering any services involving injections to verify they are being done by a licensed medical provider.
Two sites are offering free testing services. The South Valley Health Center located at 2001 El Centro Familiar SW, is open Tuesdays from 8 am to 5 pm and Casa de Salud Family Medical Office located at 1608 Isleta Blvd SW, is open on Thursdays from 8:00 am to 7 pm.
For more information, 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.
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