Public Health is recommending anyone who got a pedicure or manicure at Victoria's Nail Salon on Stone Road West in the past two years talk to their doctor about being tested for hepatitis and HIV.
"During an unannounced inspection by Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health a lapse in infection control procedures was observed regarding reusable equipment for pedicures and manicures," said a Public Health news release.
Public Health notes that the risk of transmission of blood borne illnesses is considered very low, but recommends clients who received a manicure or pedicure between April 20, 2018, and Feb. 26, 2020, be tested for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
"The risk of contracting disease from Victoria’s Nail Salon is considered low but cannot be ruled out. Clients who received services during the time period should speak with their health care provider about testing. Alternatively, Public Health will be holding drop-in testing clinics on March 4, 5 and 6 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Public Health has also set up a call centre to answer the public’s questions at 1-800-265-7293 ext. 7011," Public Health said.
An advisory sent to physicians and primary care providers, Public Health said the investigation resulted from a complaint.
That advisory said manicure and pedicure equipment was not cleaned after each use, the disinfectant was not mixed or changed appropriately and dirty instruments were stored with clean instruments.
Public Health said there was no detailed customer information available that would allow them to contact people directly.The salon remains open. There was no management available Tuesday on site and staff that were there declined to comment.
"The lapse was brought to the attention of management and the salon corrected their practices to meet infection control best practices," Public Health said in its news release.
The hepatitis B screening requires repeat blood testing after six months. Hepatitis C screening requires repeat blood testing at three months and six months and the HIV screening requires repeat testing at six weeks, three months and six months.
Until the blood borne infections are ruled out, patients are asked to ensure others are not exposed to their blood or bodily fluids, avoid sharing personal items like nail clippers, toothbrushes and razors, as well as to use a condom during sexual activity.
In addition, patients are asked to not donate blood until blood borne infections are ruled out.
Efforts to get comment from Public Health were not immediately successful.
A call centre has been set up by Public Health for public inquiries about the investigation at 1-800-265-7293 x7006.
For more information, visit the WDG Public Health web site.
