Dozens of people in northeastern England have developed a rare and potentially dangerous illness after receiving Botox injections, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). So far, 28 cases of iatrogenic botulism — a type of botulism caused by medical treatment have been reported.
Botulism is a serious illness caused by a toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. This toxin can cause muscle weakness, breathing problems, and even paralysis. Due to this people developed symptoms such as droopy eyelids, blurred or double vision, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, and extreme tiredness. In some cases, if left untreated, botulism can be fatal, especially if it affects the muscles used for breathing. However, most patients recover fully with prompt treatment, usually through antitoxin injections.
The UKHSA clarified that current evidence does not suggest the Botox products used were contaminated. Instead, the illness may have been caused by improper administration or use of unlicensed products. “The toxins used in Botox treatments are the same ones that cause botulism,” said Dr. Joanne Darke, a health protection consultant at UKHSA. “This is why it’s extremely important to only go to licensed and qualified practitioners.”
The symptoms in these cases have appeared anywhere from a few days up to four weeks after the injection, making it difficult to detect the source immediately. The agency is still investigating, and more cases may come to light in the coming weeks. “The number of new reports is now starting to drop, which is encouraging,” said Simon Howard, a consultant in health protection at UKHSA. “Most of the practitioners involved in these cases are no longer performing cosmetic procedures.”
Meanwhile, the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is also looking into the possible illegal sale and use of Botox-like products. “Botulinum toxin is a prescription-only medicine,” explained Dr. Alison Cave, chief safety officer at MHRA. “It must only be used under the supervision of a doctor or qualified health professional.”
She added that the MHRA’s criminal enforcement team is actively working to identify and prosecute those selling or using these products illegally. The public is being urged to report any side effects or suspected fake products through the agency’s Yellow Card scheme.
This isn’t the first time such cases have surfaced. Earlier this month, 10 similar cases of iatrogenic botulism were reported in Massachusetts, USA, all linked to one spa offering cosmetic injections.
Health experts are now urging people to be cautious when choosing cosmetic procedures and to always confirm the qualifications of the person performing the treatment.
