No infections have been reported in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
However, Toronto Public Health has found that inadequate infection control practices may have put individuals at increased risk of blood-borne diseases at the following two body-piercing businesses:
- NY NY Body Piercing, 1700 Wilson Ave., Unit 151, Toronto
- New York New York (Accessories & Body Piercing), 423 Queen St. W., Toronto
Toronto Public Health’s advices are as follows:
- Any individual who received body piercing at “New York, New York” between November 6, 2010 and March 1, 2011 is being asked to see their doctor and get tested for hepatitis B and C and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
- All equipment used for body piercing and tattooing must be sterile and sterilizers must be tested every two weeks to ensure they are functioning properly.
- In addition, clients of personal service settings such as piercing and tattoo businesses should check to see that employees:
- wash their hands and change gloves between clients
- use an antiseptic on the skin before starting the piercing or tattooing, and
- open sterilized packages of equipment for every client.
- New York, New York has four outlets in Toronto. People who received services at the two locations that are not identified above are not part of this investigation.
- individuals with questions can speak with a doctor, and call Toronto Public Health for information at 416-338-7600.
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Toronto, Ontario, Canada
News Release
July 14, 2011
Toronto Public Health investigating two body-piercing businesses
While there have been no reports of infections, a Toronto Public Health investigation of two body-piercing businesses has found that inadequate infection control practices may have put individuals at increased risk of blood-borne diseases.
Any individual who received body piercing at “New York, New York” between November 6, 2010 and March 1, 2011 is being asked to see their doctor and get tested for hepatitis B and C and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The two businesses are at the following locations:
• NY NY Body Piercing, 1700 Wilson Ave., Unit 151, Toronto
• New York New York (Accessories & Body Piercing), 423 Queen St. W., Toronto
“We have had no reports of infections associated with these establishments,” said Dr. Herveen Sachdeva, Associate Medical Officer of Health for Toronto Public Health. “The risk is very low, but as a precaution, we are advising anyone who received body piercing at one of these locations to see their doctor and get tested. These individuals may have been exposed to improperly sterilized instruments.”
All equipment used for body piercing and tattooing must be sterile and sterilizers must be tested every two weeks to ensure they are functioning properly. In addition, clients of personal service settings such as piercing and tattoo businesses should check to see that employees:
• wash their hands and change gloves between clients
• use an antiseptic on the skin before starting the piercing or tattooing, and
• open sterilized packages of equipment for every client.
New York, New York has four outlets in Toronto. People who received services at the two locations that are not identified above are not part of this investigation.
In addition to speaking with a doctor, individuals with questions can call Toronto Public Health for information at 416-338-7600.
Toronto is Canada’s largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. Toronto’s government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.