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Toronto Public Health - Press Release
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Acupuncture investigation expanded
February 12, 2003
Toronto Public Health is expanding its
investigation of a rare skin infection reported by clients
of a Toronto acupuncturist.
During phase two of the investigation, Public Health staff
is contacting all clients treated at acupuncturist Sandra
Testaguzza's two Toronto clinics between January 1, 2000 and
March 31, 2002. Phase one focused on clients who received
acupuncture treatments between April 1, 2002 and December
16, 2002. The investigation is being conducted in
collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
and seven other health units.
"We have received new evidence from clients who experienced
symptoms of this skin infection prior to April 1, 2002. This
suggests that acupuncture needles may have been inadequately
sterilized for a longer period of time than previously
indicated, potentially exposing more clients to infection,"
said Dr. Barbara Yaffe, Associate Medical Officer of Health.
Six cases of Mycobacterium abscessus have been confirmed in
149 clients contacted during phase one. An additional 25
suspected cases are being investigated. Phase two will
involve approximately 120 clients who visited clinics at
either 3910 Bathurst Street or 1276 Islington Avenue (a
private residence).
Clients will be informed of potential exposure to the
infection and referred to their physician. The infection
occurs on the body where a contaminated needle is inserted,
and can be treated with antibiotics.
"The spread of this infection reinforces the need for all
acupuncture practitioners to ensure safe infection control
practices are in place to protect clients," said Dr. Yaffe.
Consumers should be aware of the need for practitioners to
follow basic health precautions: use only disposable,
single-use needles; remove needles from sealed sterile
packages in view of clients; place needles on a sterile tray
before insertion into the skin; and needles should not be
placed in any solution, cotton, foam or other non-sterile
environment before use.
Acupuncturists are regulated in BC, Alberta and Quebec, but
not in Ontario. There is no designation or title called
"Doctor of Acupuncture." Use of this title is prohibited
under the Regulated Health Professions Act.
Clients who have not already been contacted by Public Health
and who attended clinics at either location prior to April
1, 2002 should call 416-338-8400.
Dr. Barbara Yaffe is available today for interviews at 2:30,
277 Victoria Street, 5th Floor.
Media Contact: Mary Margaret Crapper, Toronto Public Health,
416-338-7873
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Last modified
15/02/04
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