Three women have been diagnosed with HIV after getting "vampire facials" in what is believed to be the first time the virus has been contracted through a cosmetic procedure using needles.

The diagnosis of a woman in her 40s, who had the treatment at an unlicensed clinic in New Mexico, triggered an investigation into the spa. It was found that from 2018 to 2023 the spa allegedly reused disposable equipment intended for one-time use, a report by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), said.

The risk of passing on HIV from contaminated blood through unsterile injection is well known, but the CDC said this is the first documented case of infections involving cosmetic services. Once diagnosed, the virus can cause damage to the cells in the immune system, affecting how a person fights everyday infections and disease.

There is currently no cure but very effective drug treatments. A "vampire facial.