Portland Woman Sues Nail Salon Over Herpes Infection
A lawsuit filed in Multnomah County seeks $2.5 million in damages after an alleged exposure at a local business.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Sexual Health
A 31-year-old woman has filed a $2.5 million lawsuit against PDX Nails, alleging she contracted Herpes Simplex Virus 2 during an acrylic nail appointment. The suit claims the salon failed to follow proper sanitation protocols, citing a lack of glove usage and equipment disinfection.
Why it matters
The legal action highlights ongoing concerns regarding sanitation standards in personal care facilities, particularly following past state investigations into the salon's hygiene practices. It seeks to hold both the business and regulatory bodies accountable for alleged oversight failures.
The lawsuit alleges the infection occurred after an August 2025 appointment, with medical testing confirming the diagnosis 11 days later. This follows a 2021 state investigation that identified failures at the salon to disinfect drill bits and foot spa equipment.
The players
PDX Nails
A nail salon located on Northeast Glisan Street in Portland that is the subject of multiple hygiene-related legal claims.
Oregon Health Authority
The state agency responsible for protecting and improving the health of all Oregonians through various public health programs and regulatory oversight.
Health Licensing Office
A government agency in Oregon tasked with regulating health and related professions, including those working in personal care services.
The details
The plaintiff contends that the nail technician failed to wear gloves during the treatment, which included the use of a drill bit and a hand massage. This case names PDX Nails LLC, the Oregon Health Authority, and the Health Licensing Office as defendants in the Multnomah County Court action.
Timeline
A 2021 state investigation found that PDX Nails failed to disinfect tools and equipment.
Another infection was reported at the salon in 2023.
The plaintiff received her acrylic nail treatment in August 2025.
A medical test confirmed the plaintiff's herpes infection in September 2025.
The lawsuit was formally filed in Multnomah County Court on October 19, 2026.
Health Landscape
The current lawsuit follows a pattern established by the 2024 lawsuit, where a similar infection claim against the same business was eventually settled confidentially. This case underscores the recurring challenges in maintaining state-mandated sanitation standards across the local beauty and personal care industry.
This case serves as a reminder for residents to verify that salons follow safety protocols, such as using sterilized tools and fresh gloves, during personal care appointments. Patients who believe they have contracted an infection following a salon visit should seek immediate medical consultation and testing.
The takeaway
Consumers should prioritize visiting establishments that clearly display their licensing and adhere to visible sanitation practices. If a potential infection occurs, documenting the timeline of the procedure and seeking medical confirmation is essential for any future legal or health-related action.
Further reading
For more information on hygiene standards and transmission risks, visit the Portland Sexual Health section.
