Australian health officials are urging travellers to avoid getting tattoos in developing countries after it was reported a West Australian man contracted HIV after getting etched in Bali.
The man undertook a blood test after returning from Indonesia when the infection was discovered.
The Indonesian government is now investigating the case, according to Bali Health Department chief Nyoman Sutedja.
"We received a report about this case from the health ministry yesterday and officials will be visiting tattoo parlours today to verify this claim."
"At this point, we are still investigating. We can't say for sure if the patient caught the virus from getting a tattoo or sexual contact." Sutedja told AFP.
However, The WA Health Department said that "all the evidence" pointed to a contraction via tattoo transfer, and that other individuals who had gone under the needle in Bali should also consider taking a blood test.
"The equipment used in tattooing and body piercing, if contaminated with infected blood, can pose a risk of transmission of blood-borne viruses such as HIV, Hepatitis B and C as well as bacterial infections." said director of communicable disease control, Paul Armstrong.
It's just not worth it
Any transmission of blood or bodily fluid, be it through tattoos, sexual intercourse or sharing needles in developing countries is exceptionally dangerous. Even some hospital services where blood transfusion or injections are required can be risky.
Health standards are drastically different to those in more developed nations, and this should be kept in mind at all times.
The prospect of a cheap tattoo might sound good for the wallet, but the risks associated with it are just too high - it's just not worth it.
Aside from the health risks, some tattoos from developing nations use cheap inks, which can run and blotch after a short time - it's best to avoid it all together, and wait until you get to a parlour that offers at least licence to operate, and certifiable health standards
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