Woman Sues Oregon Nail Salon, Claiming Genital Herpes Infection After Manicure

A 31-year-old Portland woman has filed a $2.5 million lawsuit against PDX Nails, asserting she contracted genital herpes from a manicure at the salon last year. The lawsuit alleges she is the second customer in two years to contract the virus from the establishment.

According to court documents cited by The Oregonian, the woman, identified in the suit as J.S., claims the infection occurred during an acrylic manicure appointment. The suit states that the nail technician did not wear gloves and performed a hand massage with lotion or oil. J.S. reported experiencing burning and stinging sensations the day after her appointment, followed by an itchy, fluid-filled blister.

J.S. stated in the lawsuit that she had no prior exposure to the infection and has experienced subsequent outbreaks despite antiviral medication.

The lawsuit also names the Oregon Health Authority and the Health Licensing Office, alleging incompetence and a failure to act. It claims state officials did not revoke the salon's license or take other measures to prevent J.S.'s exposure after the first customer contracted the infection.

PDX Nails reportedly settled a lawsuit with another customer, identified as S.R., who contracted the virus in 2023. S.R. filed a $1.75 million lawsuit in 2024, which was settled for an undisclosed amount in July of the following year.

In 2021, one of PDX Nails' locations was fined $500 by the state’s Health Licensing Office and Board of Cosmetology for failing to disinfect tools and for having used drilling bits on a workstation. Another $500 fine was issued for improper cleaning of foot spa equipment. State officials confirmed that the salon has not received any further violations or fines since 2021.

PDX Nails declined to comment when reached by The Post. The Oregon Health Authority did not immediately respond.