Clients of unregistered Montreal acupuncture urged to be tested for hepatitis, HIV

Montreal public health officials are urging anyone who received acupuncture-like treatments from Dashdorj Bayasgalan, known as Dr. Ba in the city's Notre-Dame-de-Grace neighborhood, to be tested for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.

In Tuesday's edition Direction régionale de santé publique de Montreal (DRSP) said risks arise from reusing or cross-contamination of acupuncture needles, suction cups and other syringes used for injecting different substances.

The DRSP launched an investigation into Bayasgalan, who did not have a license to practice acupuncture, following a report from the Order of Acupuncturists of Quebec (OAQ).

The OAQ launched an investigation into Bayasgalan after receiving a complaint from one of his clients.

Dr. Genevieve Cadieux, DRSP's deputy chief of infection, prevention and control, said contaminated equipment poses a risk of blood-borne infections, including hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.

He recommended that people who received treatments such as acupuncture, cupping or injections from Bayasgalan be tested for these infections.

“The risk is considered low, but it's above the threshold we would normally recommend people get tested to make sure they're not infected,” Kadieh said, explaining that the risk is higher than one in a million.

DRSP says that no reportable case of infection has been reported due to this condition.

“Since the risk of infection is low, it is unlikely that transmission will be detected due to this condition,” DRSP said.

About 200 clients may have been exposed

Bayasgalan offered treatment at his house on the western outskirts of the city.

Following the OAQ's report, the DRSP issued an order under the Public Health Act to stop him from providing treatment that posed a risk to public health.

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CBC reached out to Bayasgalan for comment, but did not hear back at the time of publication.

The DRSP is working with the OAQ and the telecommunications company to identify customers at risk of infection.

Because Bayasgalan did not keep records of its clients' documents, it was difficult to determine the number of people who may have been affected, Kadieh said.

However, based on copies of insurance receipts, about 200 customers may have been exposed.

Cadieux urges anyone who has received an acupuncture-like treatment from Bayasgalan to get tested, even if they are asymptomatic.

“A lot of times these infections don't have any symptoms for years, so you don't know it, and then you only find out when it gets worse,” he said.

“We also want to prevent further transmission to your loved ones, contacts at home and the general public.”

Clients can make an appointment to be tested at the Cote St. Luc Screening Center on Decary Boulevard by calling 514-734-9911 or booking an appointment online at clicsante.ca.