Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health was busy Wednesday testing customers of a Guelph nail salon for hepatitis and HIV.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Nicola Mercer said that 300 people were tested at Public Health's headquarter's on Chancellor's Way and an estimated 100 were done by health care providers in the community.
"It's been incredibly busy" Mercer said of the traffic at Public Health.
"There was a lot of community concern," she said, noting the salon was very popular with younger people, including University of Guelph students.
Anyone with a negative test who hadn't visited the salon in the past six months is clear, anyone with a negative test who had visited the salon in the past six months will be asked to take a second test later.
On Tuesday, Public Health issued an alert recommending anyone who received a pedicure or manicure at Victoria's Nail Salon on Stone Road West from April 20, 2018, to Feb. 26, 2020, to talk to their doctor about being tested for hepatitis and HIV.
A Public Health inspection discovered "a lapse in infection control procedures" at the popular salon relating to reusable equipment for pedicures and manicures.
There is a low risk of infection.
Public Health will be holding drop-in testing clinics on Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 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.
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.
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.
