United States: With an increase in the number of cases linked to illnesses caused by Botox, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a warning for doctors and healthcare practitioners about fake Botox injections across the US. The health agency has asked the doctors to be cautious when dealing with such cases.
The concerns have been raised after several people, across different US states, have been admitted to the hospital, as reported by the Guardian.
Linked cases reported in the US
Health authorities in Tennessee and Illinois this week announced investigations into occurrences of conditions resembling botulism linked to Botox injections obtained outside medical facilities.
Four individuals in Tennessee exhibited symptoms reminiscent of botulism subsequent to undergoing aesthetic injections, with two necessitating hospitalization, as per a statement released by the state’s health department last week. Authorities suspect that the injections were sourced from a spurious product, the Guardian mentioned.
Botulism ensues when a toxin assaults the nervous system, inducing muscular debility in the facial, oral, and pharyngeal regions. Indications may encompass visual impairment, sagging eyelids, indistinct articulation, and swallowing impediments, as detailed by Tennessee’s health department. The purified strain of the bacteria responsible for this malady is harnessed in Botox formulations, sanctioned by the Food and Drug Administration, as outlined by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
“Subjecting oneself to such treatments in unaccredited, unendorsed environs poses grave health hazards to oneself or one’s kin. It is imperative to seek aesthetic interventions solely under the supervision of licensed professionals versed in such procedures, employing FDA-endorsed products,” stated Sameer Vohra, head of the Illinois Department of Public Health.
“Should you manifest any health anomalies post a recent aesthetic regimen, promptly liaise with your healthcare provider for prompt redressal and support,” Vohra further mentioned, as claimed by the Guardian.
Additionally, two residents in Illinois required hospitalization after manifesting symptoms akin to botulism following the administration of “either Botox or a potentially spurious variant of said product,” as per the Illinois Department of Public Health. Both patients had received injections from a certified nurse in LaSalle County, who conducted the procedure beyond her jurisdiction, according to the agency.