May 13, 2009 - The Thunder Bay District Health Unit has closed Mobile Tattoo & Piercing in Longlac, Ontario. The operator, Joe Nixon, was offering tattoo, piercing and body modification services out of a Longlac motel and a basement residence located at 121 Centennial Drive. In addition he provided these services at clients’ homes by request. The business has been closed because the operator was:

·     not sterilizing equipment that would require sterilization

·     not demonstrating availability of disinfection agents

·     not providing service in a hygienic environment

·     not keeping adequate equipment sterilization records and client records

Any time the skin is pierced or tattooed bacteria and viruses can easily enter the body.  Hepatitis B, C, HIV and other skin infections can occur if proper infection control procedures are not in place.

“There is no evidence of transmission of infection by this operator,” said Dr. Samuel Graham, Acting Medical Officer of Health. “However, the public needs to be informed that if proper infection procedures are not in place there is always a level of risk even if it is low.”

As a precaution, we are advising clients who have had these services to consider the potential risk to their health. Anyone who received a tattoo, piercing or body modification from this business and has concerns should contact a health care professional.

Once the Health Unit is made aware of an artist that is providing these services, it will regularly inspect and monitor the service for compliance with infection prevention and control procedures required in order to operate. However, the industry of tattooing, piercing and body modification is unlicensed and unrequlated making businesses difficult to locate. To ensure the operation has been inspected, it is recommended the public ask the operator for inspection records.

For more information, please call the Infectious Disease Program at 625-8318 or toll-free at 1-888-294-6630, extension 8318. They will be able to speak to Infection Control staff between 8:30 – 4:30 weekdays. More information is also posted on the Health Unit website www.tbdhu.com.

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