Clients at Ajax acupuncture service urged to get HIV testing

Ajax - Patrons of the Ajax Unisex Salon and Spa, 487 Westney Rd. S., Ajax are being urged by Durham Regional Health Department to be tested for blood-borne infections as quickly as they can.

The Health Department is recommending all patrons of the Salon be tested for hepatitis B and C, and HIV. It can not be confirmed if the operator was practicing proper infection control procedures when service was provided to clients. The Durham Regional Police Service Major Fraud Unit has been investigating the Ajax Unisex Salon and Spa and Ms. Jenny Tran after Tran was arrested for posing as a qualified healthcare provider in the areas of massage therapy, acupuncture and other services. The Health Department has also charged Ms. Tran under the Health Protection and Promotion Act. Any clients of the spa who had acupuncture care are being asked to practice safe sex precautions in order to stop any potential spread of disease. These precautions include using a condom for sexual activity and not sharing objects that may contain traces of blood such as razor blades, nail clippers, scissors, or needles and syringes. These precautions should continue for at least six months since the last time any individual had acupuncture treatment at this salon. “The Health Department has been working with other local enforcement agencies in an ongoing investigation involving this facility” explained Ross MacEachern, Manager, Environmental Health with Durham Region Health Department. “At this time, we have no evidence of transmission of infectious diseases, but because of the potential use of non-sterile equipment or improper infection control practices, there is risk which we believe to be relatively low. “Therefore, we’re urging anyone who received acupuncture care at this facility to follow-up with their health care provider on the recommended blood tests required to rule out blood-borne diseases such as hepatitis B and C, and HIV. These blood-borne diseases can be present without symptoms and can be spread to others.” For more information on blood borne diseases or blood tests, please contact the Durham Health Connection Line at 1-800-841-2729. Anyone with information in relation to Ms. Tran and Ajax Unisex Salon and Spa are asked to contact Durham Regional Police Service’s D/C Jeff Albon of the Major Crime Fraud Unit at 1-800-579-1520 ext. 5224. Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.