Public Health puts out a warning about tattoo artist in Woodstock who was never inspected
Getting a tattoo in your own home might sound convenient, but it could have long term health implications for some local residents.
Oxford Public Health is putting out a warning about a person who was giving tattoos out of an apartment in downtown Woodstock or through home visits.
Officials are concerned the man's operation was never subject to inspection.
There's a risk that the instruments he was using were not sterilized, and there's a risk that diseases like hepatitis B, C and HIV could have been spread.
Public Health is not identifying the man, but say he gave tattoos between May 2011 and April 2012. Manager of Health Protection, Mary Metcalfe tells Heart FM, "We don't believe he's operating in this community, at this time. But there's always the potential that anyone could be doing this, so people need to make sure they're getting their tattoos from an inspected artist."
A similar warning was issued today by the Elgin-St. Thomas Health Unit, after discovering the man has been operating out of his home in Aylmer.
If you think you may have received a tattoo from the individual in question, public health is urging you to get tested.
The health unit offers free confidential testing by appointment by calling 519-539-4431 or 1-800-755-0394 ext. 3490. Testing can also be arranged through your health care provider or your local health unit if you live outside of Oxford County.
Metcalfe says legitimate tattoo parlours are inspected by Public Health on an annual basis, or on a complaint basis.
Click here for more information on the risks associated with body art, and how to reduce your risks.
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