Potential exposure to blood-borne infections for some clients of Gorgeous Brows and Lashes Beauty Salon

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is alerting the public about potential exposure to blood-borne infections for individuals who received a manual facial with use of a comedone extractor with lancet (used to remove blackheads and treat clogged pores) at Gorgeous Brows and Lashes, located at 3900 Innes Road or 2210 Bank Street before December 6, 2024. During routine inspections, OPH Public Health Inspectors identified an infection prevention and control (IPAC) lapse at both of these locations. This notification is not directed to individuals who only received other services such as threading, tinting, lash extension or henna tattoo services.  Other services that do not involve the use of a comedone extractor are not part of the lapse investigation. The practices that led to the IPAC lapse have been corrected by the operator and there is no known ongoing risk to the public. The owner/operator of these Gorgeous Brows and Lashes locations has cooperated throughout OPH’s investigation. OPH’s investigation remains open – at this time no cases of blood-borne infections have been directly linked to this IPAC lapse. An IPAC lapse occurs when, for example, cleaning and sterilization best practices are not followed properly, potentially risking infection to clients and employees. OPH inspections identified improper sterilization of multiuse comedone extractor with lancet used to remove blackheads and treat clogged pores. Improper sterilization practices can lead to bacterial skin infections, and, in rare circumstances, may spread blood-borne infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and, to an even lesser extent, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).    What You Should Do:

• OPH recommends that you should speak to a healthcare provider as a precaution if you received a manual facial procedure where a multiuse comedone extractor with lancet was used, at Gorgeous Brows and Lashes located at 3900 Innes Road or 2210 Bank Street before December 6, 2024.
• If you are unsure if this type of instrument was used, speak to a health care provider to better understand your risk. Consultation with a healthcare provider will help assess risk of blood-borne infections based on the type of procedure received and your overall health status and determine if testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV is appropriate for you.
• Testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV is free for Ontario residents with a health card (OHIP) number. See below for options if you don’t have an OHIP card. Individuals who do not have a primary care provider and wish to be tested, can visit a walk-in clinic. For help finding a walk-in clinic, please visit health811.ontario.ca.

Additional information, including frequently asked questions and answers, is available on OPH’s website at OttawaPublicHealth.ca/LapseGBL. You can also connect with OPH on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Bluesky and YouTube.   If you have questions about your health and testing options including for those who do not have an OHIP card, call 8-1-1 to connect with a registered nurse for free, secure, and confidential health advice. Service is available in English and French, with translation support also offered in other languages. Visit health811.ontario.ca for more information. For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.