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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Nicola Davis Science correspondent

UK health officials issue warning over cosmetic jabs after 38 botulism cases

Cosmetic jab prepared for use
UKHSA warned people seeking cosmetic injections to ensure a qualified person is carrying out the procedure and that they are using a licensed product. Photograph: Phanie/Sipa Press/Alamy

People seeking cosmetic procedures have been warned to be on their guard by public health experts as they revealed there have been 38 recent cases of botulism poisoning in England linked to unlicensed Botox-like jabs.

The UK Health Security Agency said on Friday that cases were first reported in the north-east, with others subsequently reported in the east of England and East Midlands. All were reported between 4 June and 14 July 2025.

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