AHS warns Calgarians of possible hepatitis B exposure at northeast piercing studio

Health officials are warning about potential exposure to hepatitis B through a northeast Calgary business that provides body piercing.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) said it received a complaint and, after an inspection by Environmental Public Health, a closure order was issued for piercing services at a shop that operated under the names Little Witch Tattoo and Namesake Tattoo and Piercing.

In a public advisory, AHS said the inspection revealed problems with the sterilization of equipment used in the studio at 103-2640 52nd Street N.E.

Another shop, with the name Little Witch Tattoo, operates in northwest Calgary. That location was not investigated nor subject to a closure notice. It does not provide piercing services.

While the risk is considered very low, anyone who received piercing services at the northeast business between April 15 and May 1 may have been exposed to hepatitis B, according to the health authority.

Those clients are being urged to to call 811 Health Link or their physician for hepatitis B testing. Anyone found with low immunity to hepatitis B will be offered a free vaccine.

"We are issuing this advisory out of an abundance of caution," said Dr. Franco Rizzuti, a medical officer of health with AHS.

According to Rizzuti, investigators were given a list of 26 clients who may have been affected but contact information wasn't provided for all of them. And it's possible there could be others, he said.

Hepatitis B, which is included in Alberta's routine immunization schedule, is an infection of the liver that is caused by a virus. It can spread through unsanitary piercing procedures.

According to AHS, symptoms can include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and jaundice.

While some people have no symptoms at all, about one in 10 adults can go on to develop a chronic infection, which can lead to liver damage, liver cancer and death.

"The biggest risk —  if there isn't comprehensive cleaning [and] sterilization — is the risk for bodily fluids exposure," said Rizzuti.

"Hepatitis B virus is the one virus that is quite robust. We need really thorough cleaning to ensure that it's killed and it doesn't get transmitted inadvertently. And so that's why we have very rigorous standards for these facilities."

No cases identified so far

According to Rizzuti, AHS is still investigating. So far, no cases have been identified.

The health authority said it provided information to the operator about proper sterilization practices and how to use single-use disposable body piercing devices. Another inspection was completed and the closure order, put in place on April 29, was lifted June 14.

Meanwhile, Rizzuti said there are a number of steps Albertans can take, in general, to protect themselves if they're considering piercings or tattoos. Those steps include asking to see AHS inspection and compliance certificates.

People can also look on the AHS Environmental Public Health website, where information on inspections and violations can be found.

"And ask your piercer or tattoo artist what their protocols and safeties are. You can ask for copies of these procedures," said Rizzuti.

 "[Take] the time ahead to ask these questions and ensure that they've been inspected by AHS."