The Middlesex-London Health Unit is urging anyone who had their nails done at a south-end salon over the past eight months to contact their doctor.
The warning comes as public health inspectors found repeated infection control infractions at Cali Nails in White Oaks Mall. Health officials have said the infractions could have potentially exposed people to blood-borne infections, such as Hepatitis B, C and HIV between May 4, 2017 and January 5, 2018.
One Cali Nails client has already tested positive for a blood-borne infection.
Infractions spotted by inspectors at the salon were corrected at the time, but a complaint from a member of the public led to the discovery of similar infractions. That prompted the health unit to issue the advisory as a precaution.
“We have worked diligently with the operator to ensure that all employees can demonstrate an understanding of approved infection control techniques, and that the necessary corrections have been made so the business can continue to operate safely,” said Mary Lou Albanese, manager of the Infectious Disease Control team at the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “With what we’ve seen over the inspection history of this business, it has become necessary for us to issue this public notification.”
While the risk of infection is low, the health unit is advising clients of the nail salon to talk to a health care professional about the need for testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. The health unit added that it might be difficult to attribute any positive blood test results to a particular location as it could be due to other exposures.
Inadequate infection prevention practices at nail salons, barber shops, spas, or tattoo and body art shops, can result in the potential transmission of blood-borne infections, as well as common skin infections.
The health unit inspects all personal service shops in London and Middlesex at least once a year. To see all inspection reports for these businesses click here.
