Tattoo shop shut down

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit has shut down a home-based tattoo shop.

The health unit issued an order against Andy Hrycyshyn and Taisha Rose to stop providing uninspected tattooing services. The health unit warned that uninspected tattooing could lead to health risks such as hepatitis C and B, HIV and other skin related infections.

Officials with the health unit say the tattooing took place at various locations across Thunder Bay and added clients who got a tattoo from either individual should contact the health unit.

“There is currently no evidence of transmission of infection by the operators,” said Dr. David Williams, Medical Officer of Health in a media release. “However, the public needs to be informed that if proper infection control procedures are not in place there is always a level of risk, even if it is low.”

Officials with the health unit say individuals should make sure the tattooing business has been inspected by asking for the inspection records.

Anyone wishing for more information can contact the health unit’s infection diseases program at 625-8318 or toll-free at 1-888-294-6630 extension 8319.