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

An Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) lapse refers to a failure to follow proper procedures and protocols designed to prevent infections and control their spread. This can include inadequate cleaning and sterilization of equipment, improper handling of single-use items, and other practices that increase the risk of infection.

An IPAC lapse was identified during routine inspections by Ottawa Public Health (OPH) on December 4, 2024, at Gorgeous Brows and Lashes at 3900 Innes Road, and on December 6, 2024 at Gorgeous Brows and Lashes at 2210 Bank Street. Observations made by OPH Public Health Inspectors during these visits revealed inadequate cleaning and sterilization practices of specific tools. The inspections found that multiuse comedone extractors with lancet (used to remove blackheads and treat clogged pores) were not adequately cleaned and sterilized between clients.

As a result, OPH determined that there was a potential risk of transmission of blood borne infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV to the clients and employees during manual facial procedures at the premises that involved multiuse comedone extractors with lancet before December 6, 2024.

What You Should Do:

• Ottawa Public Health (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: https://health811.ontario.ca/static/guest/find-a-service. 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.

What’s a manual facial procedure and multiuse comedone extractor with lancet?

A manual facial procedure using involves a skincare treatment where tools are used, such as a multiuse comedone extractor with lancet. Multiuse comedone extractors with a lancet feature a loop for extracting blackheads and whiteheads during manual facials, while the other end has a multiuse lancet for precise skin punctures. The tool is typically made of stainless steel.

During the procedure, the individual performing the facial uses these tools to target specific areas of the skin. It's important that these multiuse tools be properly cleaned and sterilized between clients to prevent any risk of infection.

Bloodborne infections are diseases transmitted through contact with infected blood or other bodily fluids.

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) attacks the immune system making the body more vulnerable to infections and certain cancers. If untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).

Hepatitis B (HBV) is a virus that can affect the liver and can cause both acute and chronic liver disease, including cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Hepatitis C (HCV) is a virus that targets the liver and can lead to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Many people with HCV are asymptomatic for years. There is no vaccine for HCV, so prevention focuses on avoiding exposure to contaminated blood.

The corrective measures included the removal of the tool from use. Additionally, education was provided to the operator and staff on proper cleaning and sterilization requirements for the tool.

There is no known ongoing risk to the public.

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) will continue to work with the owner/operator of the Gorgeous Brows and Lashes locations and will conduct further compliance inspections as mandated by the Health Protection and Promotion Act. These inspections will verify that corrective measures are maintained and that the premises continue to adhere to the required infections prevention and control best practices. 

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is not aware of any cases of infection transmission associated with this IPAC Lapse at this time.

The tests are free and covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

If you don't have OHIP, here are some steps you can take based on your specific situation.

You have OHIP coverage but lost your card.

If you have OHIP coverage but lost your card, you should renew your health card. You can find more information on the Ontario.ca website.

Are you an asylum seeker or refugee?

If you are an asylum seeker or refugee, please check if you have the Interim Federal Health Program. This program may cover your testing and other health needs.

Are you currently in Canada on a VISA?

If you are in Canada on a VISA, you should explore your possible coverage options. Your visa status might provide you with certain health benefits.

Are you an international student attending a Canadian post-secondary institution?

If you are an international student attending a Canadian post-secondary institution, you likely have medical coverage. Please contact your post-secondary institution for more information. (See the list of institutions below).

List of Post-secondary Institutions

• University of Ottawa - Student health insurance | Campus life
• Carleton University - Health & Dental Plan - CUSA
• Algonquin - Algonquin Students' Association | Benefits - Algonquin Students' Association
• La Cite - La Cité College - Morcare
• St. Paul University - Understanding my coverage or UHIP | Saint Paul University

Are you a newcomer?

If you are a newcomer, please check if you are connected to a settlement agency. Settlement agencies can help you navigate health services and may provide assistance with testing. If you are not connected to one, find free newcomer services near you.

None of the above applies to you?

If none of the above situations apply to you, please check if you are connected to a Community Health or Resource Centre (CHRC). We encourage you to connect with a social worker or system navigator for assistance. If you are not connected, find your nearest CHRC - Coalition of Community Health and Resource Centres of Ottawa.