Several new cases of HIV have been potentially linked to a now-closed beauty salon in Albuquerque, New Mexico, that offered "vampire facials."

The New Mexico Department of Health is urging former clients of VIP Beauty Salon and Spa who received any injection-related services, such as vampire facials or Botox, to get tested for HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. These services carry a risk of blood-borne infections.

A "vampire facial," as described by the American Academy of Dermatology Association, involves drawing blood from a patient's arm, processing it to isolate platelets, and then re-injecting the platelet-rich plasma back into the patient's face. This procedure is also known as "platelet-rich plasma" therapy.

The health department's investigation was re-opened after receiving a report in 2023 of a new HIV diagnosis. The individual reported their only potential exposure to HIV was a vampire facial at VIP Spa in 2018. Subsequent investigation revealed additional HIV infections potentially connected to services offered at the spa.

VIP Beauty Salon and Spa closed its doors in September 2018 after a multi-agency investigation uncovered practices that could potentially transmit blood-borne diseases.

In June 2022, the spa's owner, Maria Ramos De Ruiz, pleaded guilty to five felony counts of practicing medicine without a license.

Dr. Laura Parajon, deputy secretary for the state's health department, emphasized the importance of testing for anyone who received injection-based services at the spa. Free and confidential testing is available.