Counterfeit Botox Injections Cause Multistate Outbreak of Illnesses
A recent outbreak of botulism-like illnesses has been linked to sketchy cosmetic injections of potentially counterfeit Botox, leading to concerns among health officials. Six people have fallen ill in multiple states, with four cases reported in Tennessee and two in Illinois. Of the six individuals affected, four required hospitalization.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is working to issue a nationwide alert for clinicians to be on the lookout for botulism-like illnesses related to counterfeit Botox. Botox is a regulated drug product that should only be administered by licensed medical professionals in approved settings.
The cases in Tennessee were connected to injections given in non-medical settings with products of unclear origin, indicating that they were likely counterfeit. Similarly, the cases in Illinois were linked to injections from a nurse who was performing work outside of her authority, potentially using counterfeit products.
Symptoms of botulism can include double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, and difficulty breathing. Illinois health officials are urging residents to only seek cosmetic services from licensed professionals who use FDA-approved products. They are also advising individuals to seek medical help immediately if they experience health problems after a cosmetic treatment.
The outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the importance of receiving cosmetic treatments from reputable and licensed professionals. Consumers should always do their due diligence and ask questions about the products being used in any cosmetic procedure. Stay tuned for updates from Matzav Blog as more information becomes available on this developing situation.
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