26 Aug 2008
SIMCOE MUSKOKA –The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is asking all clients who received tattooing or piercing services at the Adam & Eve Tattooing and Piercing in Innisfil between April 29 and August 21, 2008 to call the health unit as part of an investigation into potential exposure to non-sterile equipment.
The health unit has ordered the operator of Adam & Eve Tattooing and Piercing, 1070 Innisfil Beach Road, Innisfil, to stop offering body modification services, including tattooing and piercing, until further notice. Although the risk is very low, the possible use of non-sterile equipment could lead to the transmission of diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Clients who received body piercing or tattooing services at this facility during the specified time period, are asked to call the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit at 721-7520 or 1-877-721-7250, extension 8802, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“We have no evidence of transmission of infectious diseases, but because of the potential use of non-sterile equipment, there is also a potential risk that we must act on,” said Dr. Colin Lee, Associate Medical Officer of Health at the health unit. “We''re also working closely with the operator to identify clients who might be affected and we are following up directly with them.
“However, we''re still urging anyone who received these services from this establishment to call us so we can provide information on the recommended follow-up tests required to help rule out any blood-borne diseases."
The health unit recommends that anyone who received tattooing or body piercing services from this establishment during that period of time to take precautions until evidence of transmission of infectious diseases can be ruled out. Affected individuals are encouraged to use a condom during sexual activity, avoid sharing clippers, razors, toothbrushes, needles and other personal items, and not to donate blood until seen by a health care provider.
More information can also be found at www.simcoemuskokahealth.org.
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