Vampire Facials Linked to HIV Transmission at New Mexico Spa

In a disturbing development, authorities have discovered that another client of a spa in New Mexico has tested positive for HIV after receiving a vampire facial. The controversial treatment, which involves drawing a client’s own blood and then injecting it back into their face, gained popularity as a celebrity-endorsed procedure. However, the procedure’s safety and hygiene practices have come into question after an amateur practitioner in New Mexico was linked to an HIV transmission case in 2018.

The health department is now urging former clients of the VIP Spa, where the vampire facial was performed, to get tested for HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Although over 100 former clients were tested during the initial investigation in 2018 and 2019, health officials are recommending retesting for those who initially tested negative. Dr. Laura Parajon, the deputy secretary for the health department, emphasized the importance of spreading the word and encouraging anyone who received any type of injection-related service at the VIP Spa to come in for free and confidential testing.

The health department has already identified additional HIV infections that have a “direct or indirect connection” to services provided at the VIP Spa. However, the exact number of people who tested positive and what qualifies as an indirect connection have not been disclosed. The health department continues to investigate the matter, and CBS News has reached out to them for clarification.

The owner of the spa, Maria de Lourdes Ramos de Ruiz, also known as Luly Ruiz, is currently in jail after being convicted on five counts of practicing medicine without a license. This revelation further underscores the risks associated with unlicensed and inadequately regulated aesthetic procedures.

The vampire facial trend gained media attention as celebrities like Kim Kardashian popularized the procedure. The idea behind vampire facials is that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains growth factors that may stimulate collagen production and improve the appearance of the skin. However, if not done properly with sterile conditions and equipment, it can lead to serious health consequences like infections and, in this case, HIV transmission.

This incident raises concerns about the lack of regulations surrounding aesthetic treatments and highlights the importance of seeking licensed and reputable professionals when considering such procedures. It also serves as a reminder that individuals should prioritize their health and safety over the pursuit of superficial beauty.