Up to 16 people could have been infected with hepatitis B through piercing, tattooing or acupuncture since 2003, the council said. It also received a report of a 17-year-old who suffered serious inflammation after a cartilage piercing and ended up with a malformed ear despite treatment.

Body piercing is not regulated by the health authority in Hong Kong. Young people generally have the procedure done in hair salons.

(Singtao Daily)