Oregon Woman Sues Portland Nail Salon for $2.5M Over Herpes Infection
A Portland woman has filed a $2.5 million lawsuit against PDX Nails, alleging she contracted genital herpes during an acrylic manicure in August 2025. The suit claims the salon failed to use gloves or disinfect tools, marking the second such infection case in two years. The plaintiff also sued Oregon health regulators for failing to revoke the salon’s license after a previous incident.
Key points
- J.S., a 31-year-old Portland resident, filed a $2.5 million lawsuit against PDX Nails on Monday, alleging she contracted genital herpes during an acrylic manicure appointment in August 2025.
- The complaint states the nail technician did not wear gloves and used unsterilized tools, including a hand massage with lotion, leading to symptoms such as burning sensations and blisters within 48 hours.
- This is the second lawsuit against the salon in two years; a previous customer, S.R., settled a $1.75 million claim in July 2025 after contracting the virus in 2023.
- The suit names the Oregon Health Authority and Health Licensing Office, accusing them of incompetence for failing to revoke the salon’s cosmetology license after the first incident.
- State records show PDX Nails was fined $1,000 in 2021 for failing to disinfect tools and clean foot spa equipment, but no violations have been issued since that year.
Background
Our archive from October 2026 confirms this lawsuit was filed in Multnomah County Court, seeking $2.5 million from the salon and an additional $2.5 million from state regulators. Earlier coverage noted that the 2021 inspection found used drilling bits on workstations and uncleaned foot spa equipment. The current suit is part of a broader pattern of negligence claims against the business, following the confidential settlement with the first infected customer.
Why it matters
This case highlights potential gaps in state oversight of cosmetic establishments, as regulators failed to act after a prior infection. It raises concerns about hygiene standards in nail salons and the long-term impact of incurable infections on victims, who may fear transmitting the virus to others.
What to watch
The case will proceed through the Multnomah County Court system. PDX Nails and the Oregon Health Authority have not yet responded to the allegations. The outcome may influence state regulations regarding license revocation for repeated hygiene violations.
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