Second Lawsuit Alleges Portland Nail Salon Spread Herpes Despite Prior Sanitation Failures

Key points

• A 31-year-old woman claims she contracted herpes simplex virus 2 after an acrylic nail appointment at PDX Nails in August 2025.
• The lawsuit alleges an employee failed to wear gloves and used unsterilized drill bits during the procedure.
• Attorney Amity Girt is seeking $2.5 million in damages, naming the salon and the Oregon Health Authority.
• A 2021 state investigation found PDX Nails failed to disinfect tools and properly clean foot spa equipment.
• This is the second similar lawsuit against the salon in two years; a 2023 case was dismissed after a confidential settlement.

Background

In 2023, a different woman reported contracting the same herpes strain after a manicure at PDX Nails. That case was dismissed in 2025 following a confidential settlement. The current lawsuit argues that state regulators failed to suspend or revoke the salon’s license after the 2023 incident, putting other customers at risk.

Why it matters

The case highlights ongoing concerns about sanitation standards in the beauty industry and the effectiveness of state health licensing oversight. It also raises questions about the long-term health impacts of preventable infections and the role of legal action in enforcing safety regulations.

What to watch

The lawsuit is pending in Multnomah County Court. PDX Nails has not responded to the allegations, and the Oregon Health Authority declined to comment on the pending litigation. The outcome may influence future regulatory actions against the salon and similar businesses.