Counties Report Bacterial Infections from Ear Piercings

The below information came from a McHenry Department of Health press release. 

The McHenry County Department of Health has been notified that 17 laboratory confirmed cases and possibly an additional 12 cases of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections occurred following ear piercings at a facility in Winnebago County.  

Persons who developed infections reside in Winnebago, Boone, Ogle, DeKalb, McHenry and Stephenson Counties.  All cases had piercings in the cartilage of the upper ear; cases range in age from 13 to 49.  

Ten people required medical interventions and six cases required hospitalization. All cases had ears pierced between March 28 and July 9.  Pseudomonasinfections are generally treated with antibiotics.

Pseudomonas can be spread on unwashed hands or by equipment that gets contaminated and is not properly cleaned. 

If a person has had an ear piercing and develops redness, swelling or pain following a piercing, especially of the upper ear, they should first seek medical attention and then contact MCDH at 815-334-4510.  

There is still is a concern that there may be other cases in the community that have not been reported or adequately treated. 

Since this investigation into these infections is ongoing, it is requested that health care providers report infections associated with ear piercings and tattoos to MCDH at 815-334-4510. Individuals interested in body piercing should take the following steps to protect themselves:

• Verify that the facility is registered with the State of Illinois.
• Make sure the person doing the piercing has washed their hands and is wearing gloves for the piercing procedure.
• Make sure the piercer uses a heat-sterilization machine (autoclave) to sterilize all non-disposable equipment after each piercing. Instruments and supplies that can't be sterilized with an autoclave — including drawer handles, tables and sinks — should be disinfected with a commercial disinfectant or bleach solution after each use.
• Ensure the jewelry used has been properly sterilized and free of scratches or irregular surfaces.
• Individuals should ask if the piercer follows the Illinois Department of Public Health tattoo and body piercing guidelines.
• If you have recently had a piercing, make sure to keep the area dry and clean. Follow any instructions given to you for after care. 
• Wash your hands prior to touching the piercing; do not touch except when cleaning.
• Stay healthy; the healthier your lifestyle, the easier it will be for your piercing to heal.
• Showers tend to be safer than taking baths, as bathtubs can harbor bacteria. If you bathe in a tub, clean it well before each use and rinse off the piercing when you get out.