Health · Public Health & Disease · 4 hrs ago
Portland nail salon faces second lawsuit over alleged herpes infection
A woman identified in court documents as J.S. has sued Portland salon PDX Nails for $2.5 million, saying she contracted herpes after a manicure in August 2025.
She says burning and a fluid-filled blister appeared soon after the appointment, and that she has since had repeated outbreaks despite taking antiviral medication.
This is the second similar lawsuit against the salon: another customer said she developed a herpes infection after a 2023 manicure, and the salon settled that case in July 2025 for an undisclosed amount.
J.S.'s case also names the Oregon Health Authority and the state's Health Licensing Office, accusing them of failing to act.
The lawsuit alleges poor equipment disinfection or an infected employee, but neither claim has been established in court.
The case concerns allegations of a lasting infection and recurring painful outbreaks; the available information does not say what happens next in court.
A 31-year-old woman is seeking $2.5 million in a lawsuit alleging she contracted herpes after a manicure at PDX Nails in Portland.
The lawsuit, filed in Multnomah County Circuit Court, also accuses the Oregon Health Authority and the state’s Health Licensing Office of failing to prevent another infection.
The woman says she developed a burning sensation and a fluid-filled blister after her August 2025 appointment.
Her allegations against the salon have not been established in court.
The salon previously settled a $1.75 million lawsuit brought by another customer who alleged she contracted herpes after a 2023 manicure.
- Who
- A 31-year-old woman identified as J.S. is suing PDX Nails, the Oregon Health Authority and the state’s Health Licensing Office.
- What
- She alleges she contracted herpes after a manicure and is seeking $2.5 million in damages.
- When
- She visited the salon in August 2025 and filed the lawsuit on a date not stated.
- Where
- PDX Nails in Portland, near Northeast 122nd Avenue and Glisan Street.
- Why
- She alleges the salon’s practices caused her infection and that state officials failed to take action that could have prevented it.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
S.R. visited PDX Nails for acrylic nails and later developed symptoms.
S.R. filed a $1.75 million claim against the salon.
The salon settled S.R.’s lawsuit for an undisclosed sum.
J.S. visited PDX Nails for her first appointment there.
J.S. said she experienced a burning sensation around her hand and little finger.
- Damages sought
- $2.5 million
- Plaintiff
- J.S., 31
- Salon
- PDX Nails, Portland
- Prior settlement
- $1.75 million, July 2025
- Earlier alleged infection
- S.R. said it followed a June 2023 manicure
What people are saying
It's quite embarrassing
I just went to get my nails done.
You know what? I'm going to treat myself to get my nails done