The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that nineteen individuals from nine states have experienced adverse reactions after receiving cosmetic injections, commonly referred to as Botox, from unlicensed or untrained individuals or in non-medical settings. Some of these individuals were injected with counterfeit or mishandled products.
According to the CDC, nine of the affected individuals required hospitalization, with four receiving botulism antitoxin due to concerns about the potential spread of botulinum toxin beyond the injection site.
These incidents occurred in various states including Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, and Washington. All nineteen individuals affected are females aged between 25 and 59 years, with all but one receiving the injections for cosmetic purposes.
The CDC, in collaboration with state and local health departments, as well as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is currently investigating these reports.
As a precautionary measure, the CDC recommends that individuals inquire about the licensure and training of providers and settings offering cosmetic injections. It is also advised to verify if the product is FDA approved and sourced from a reputable supplier. If there are any doubts, individuals are urged to refrain from receiving the injection.
Botulism is a rare yet severe illness caused by toxins released by bacteria that target the nervous system. Symptoms of botulism can include blurred or double vision, drooping eyelids, breathing difficulties, fatigue, slurred speech, or hoarseness. Without prompt treatment, muscle paralysis can escalate over hours to days and may result in fatality.
The Illinois Department of Public Health notes that Clostridium botulinum bacteria is an ingredient in Botox and similar cosmetic substances. The purified form of botulinum toxin is FDA-approved for cosmetic use by licensed healthcare providers.
