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Health Officials Confirm Bacteria At Rockford Piercing Shop

CDC

After a month long investigation, the Winnebago County Health Department confirms a positive match of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in environmental samples linked to recent body piercing infections reported from January 2, 2013 through July 13, 2013 at Euro II Tattoo in Rockford, Illinois.

According to a release, on July 19, 2013, samples were taken from the facility to be submitted for testing. Results confirmed that Pseudomonas aeruginosa was identified in the diluted green soap, on a swab from the cap threads of the diluted green soap squirt bottle, a swab from the alcohol (isopropyl) bottle, and on a swab of the tincture of green soap.

The Winnebago County Health Department and the Illinois Department of Public Health inspected the facility on August 22, 2013. Upon the inspection, the owner has demonstrated to be in compliance with all requirements and is approved to reinstate body piercing operations.  Euro II Tattoo voluntarily ceased piercing operations on July 15, 2013.

Pseudomonas is a bacterium commonly found in the environment: in animals, humans, and soil. The most common type causing infections in humans is called Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Pseudomonas often invades tissue and causes infection. Specifically, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most virulent strain of Pseudomonas organisms. It can colonize on open wounds, causing infections, abscesses, and sepsis, with edema and/ or discoloration of the skin.