Portland Woman Seeks $2.5 Million After Allegedly Contracting Herpes During Acrylic Nail Treatment

PORTLAND, Ore. — A Multnomah County woman contracted herpes after having an acrylic nail procedure at PDX Nails in Portland, according to a lawsuit lodged in the Multnomah County Circuit Court on Monday.

Manicurist Failed to Wear Gloves

According to the lawsuit, seeking $2.5 million in damages, the woman contracted herpes when an employee at the nail salon failed to wear gloves while applying acrylic nails.

OHA Also Named in Lawsuit for Renewing License After the Salon Was Previously Reported for Causing an Infection

The lawsuit also names the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Health Licensing Office, alleging the state put customers at risk by renewing a license after an infection was reported at the nail salon in 2023.

It further alleges that in 2021, a state investigation found that PDX Nails failed to disinfect used tools, specifically naming workstation drill bits.

The latest lawsuit states that the 31-year-old Multnomah County woman visited the salon on Northeast Glisan Street in August last year. It is alleged that a drill bit and other implements were used during the acrylic nail treatment. She was also given a hand massage.

The Customer Suffered Fluid-Filled Blistering

The next day, the woman experienced a burning and stinging sensation on her right hand, followed by fluid-filled blistering. Herpes was confirmed after she underwent a test in September 2025.

The lawsuit states that the woman has to continually monitor outbreaks, as there is no cure for the strain of herpes she suffered.

Oregon Health Authority, Board of Cosmetology Rules

According to the Board of Cosmetology’s rules effective from July 1, 2024, and subscribed to by the OHA’s Licensing Office:

• All tools and implements must be disinfected or sterilized between each client.
• Tools and implements that cannot be disinfected or sterilized must be discarded.
• Single-use disposable protective gloves must be worn when performing a service or procedure that involves exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials.