Published: May 07, 2008 02:31 am            

HEALTH: Warning issued to Falls tattoo artist's customers

BUFFALO —Health officials are urging clients of a Niagara Falls tattoo artist to be tested for HIV and hepatitis.

Authorities say an investigation found that eight people developed skin infections after receiving tattoos from John Portik.

While no one is known to have contracted HIV or hepatitis from the tattooing, Niagara and Erie County health officials say clients should be tested for the diseases, because they don’t know whether Portik took proper infection control precautions.

A telephone listing for Portik was not in service Tuesday afternoon.

Portik has been ordered to stop tattooing and has surrendered his tattooing equipment.

Anyone who has gotten a tattoo from him since approximately January 2001 is being encouraged to get tested.

Portik’s clients who are seeking testing should contact their health care provider. If they do not have a health care provider or do not have health care insurance, they should call the Niagara County Health Department at 439-7470.

Portik performed tattoos at his home and in clients’ homes. According to Portik, he was also employed for a short time at two former Niagara Falls tattoo studios known as Monsters Ink and Murder Ink. Portik also reported working in Erie County during 2004 and/or 2005 as an independent contractor for Hardcore Tattoo.

        

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