Investigators trace nasty tattoo infections in 4 states to ink; largest outbreak in New York

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In this undated photo provided by the University of Washington, the arm of a Washington State woman is shown after developing an infection earlier this year after receiving a tattoo. As more people get tattoos, health officials are seeing more cases of a nasty skin infection blamed on the ink. In the largest outbreak reported, 19 people in Rochester, N.Y., recently ended up with bubbly rashes over their new tattoos. Cases also occurred in Colorado, Iowa and Washington States this year, health officials say. All together, the four states had 22 lab-confirmed tattoo-related infections and more than 30 suspected additional cases. (AP Photo/University of Washington, Dr. Andrea Kalus)

ATLANTA – An outbreak of infected tattoos has led to an unlikely source: the ink.

Health officials say they are seeing more cases of a nasty skin infection caused by a common bacteria traced to the ink. In the largest outbreak, 19 people in Rochester, N.Y., ended up with rashes on new tattoos.

Infections from tattoos are nothing new, but usually dirty needles and unsanitary conditions are blamed.

These infections were caused by bacteria common in tap water. In the past year, more than 50 confirmed or suspected cases were linked to tattoo ink or water used to dilute the ink. Health officials say tattoo artists and ink makers should only use sterile water.

A report on the New York cases was published online Wednesday by the New England Journal of Medicine.

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