Patients of the Chatham Skin Clinic are being asked to contact their doctor following a lengthy lapse in sterilizing and reprocessing medical equipment at the clinic.
CK Public Health alerted the community regarding a gap in infection control at the clinic at 125 Keil Drive South in Chatham on Wednesday, noting the lapses occurred from October 1, 2024, to January 30, 2026.
The CK public health unit said such lapses in infection control processes may be associated with the transmission of blood-borne illnesses, including HIV and Hepatitis.
Affected patients include those who may have undergone medical procedures, including skin biopsies and the administration of cosmetic treatments, said CK Public Health.
"If you have received procedural treatment at the Chatham Skin Clinic during the previously mentioned dates, CK Public Health recommends contacting your Health Care Provider," noted CK Public Health. "Speaking with a healthcare provider can help you understand your personal risk for blood-borne infections and determine if testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or HIV would be beneficial."
Public health officials said individuals who don't have a health care provider are advised to visit a walk-in clinic for assessment.
Dr. Queenette Emem Asuquo, the physician practicing at the Chatham Skin Clinic, is also available to address any questions related to this occurrence, according to CK Public Health.
CK Public Health said an investigation began after a complaint, but can't divulge any other details due to privacy issues, including how many patients were infected, if any.
"As a matter of policy, CK Public Health does not comment on the health status of individuals. It may also be helpful to note that local public health units do not have the authority to perform routine IPAC inspections [Infection Prevention and Control] of physician or medical offices. These settings follow infection prevention and control practice standards established by their respective professional colleges," said CK Public Health.
CK Public Health noted it's only able to inspect or investigate IPAC concerns through a complaint‑based process.
