MASON CITY – After a recent report of an unlicensed tattoo artist in the area, public health officials remind residents to only get tattoos and body piercings from licensed professionals. Licensed businesses and artists should have their permits clearly displayed. If they are not easily visible, ask to the see them.
Anyone who has received a tattoo or body piercing from an unlicensed artist should be tested for HIV, Hepatitis B and C. Unlicensed artists are people who do tattoos in an unlicensed facility such as a home, garage, etc.
The Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health conducts inspections on tattoo establishments for Cerro Gordo County. Inspections are conducted to protect the public from diseases that may be transmitted from one person to another through unsanitary or unsafe tattooing and body piercing practices.
If instruments contaminated with blood are not sterilized or are used inappropriately between clients, there is a risk of transmitting bloodborne pathogens such as HIV, Hepatitis B and C.
If you are considering getting a tattoo, contact the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health to ensure you go to a licensed facility. They can provide you with information about Iowa facilities, as well as facilities in other states.
For HIV or Hepatitis testing, call Sam Smith, RN, Disease Prevention Specialist at the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health, 641-421-9309 or your local health care provider.
For information on tattoo and body piercing safety, call Brian Hanft, Environmental Health Service Manager at the Cerro Gordo Department of Public Health, 421-9300 or visit our web site at www.cghealth.com
Tattoos look gay
I just do not understand why anyone would pay to have permanent scars put on their body.
So who was it? Kind of hard to know if you need to get checked.