Dept. of health inspects Monarch Med Spas

PHILADELPHIA - September 24, 2012

So far, there've been no reports of infections at the three Monarch Med Spas in Pennsylvania, but state health officials want patients to be aware of the possibility.

Monarch claims it performs over 50,000 cosmetic surgeries and laser procedures every year at its locations in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland.

But the Maryland spa has been shut down after three patients were infected with Group A strep.

One of them died and the other two were hospitalized.

In addition, Delaware health officials confirm a Delaware resident also contracted strep at one of the Pennsylvania locations.

But the Pennsylvania Department of Health won't confirm that or identify the location.

Today, Pennsylvania health inspectors descended on the Monarch Med Spas in King of Prussia, Harrisburg, and Philadelphia.

The health department says the inspectors were there to review the company's infection prevention procedures.

Health officials are concerned because employees of the Maryland spa, where the deadly outbreak occurred, often work at the Pennsylvania locations.

A Monarch spokesperson says they are cooperating with the investigations in all three states.

They confirm the Pennsylvania inspections were conducted today.

The health department is warning patients to be aware of the symptoms which include infection, fever and prolonged redness of the wound site.

And it's not just patients.

The warning goes out to anyone who may have had contact with anyone who's had a procedure at any of the Monarch locations.

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