Call for surveillance through the channel. British health authorities indicate that they have identified several people residing in Durham and Darlington County, who have “undesirable effects” after having suffered Botox injections, in a statement dated June 13. From now on, 28 victims are identified, indicates CNN on Friday, June 20.
Among the recognized cases, patients had double vision, difficulties in swallowing, speech and lethargy disorders.
“The professionals involved in most cases reported that these interventions no longer practice,” said Dr. Simon Howard, health protection consultant of the British Health Agency (UKHSA), in a statement.
“However, this does not mean that we will not see other cases, because the symptoms can take up to four weeks to develop,” he warns.
Products sold illegally?
At the moment, the reason for this pollution is uncertain. “The accusations related to the illegal sale and the supply of Botox type products in the northeast of the country” are currently under investigation by the Regulatory Agency for Medicines and Health Products (MHRA), he told CNN on Friday to CNN.
“The evidence collected so far does not suggest that the product used has been contaminated,” said Ukhsa.
“We are working in close collaboration with our UKHSA colleagues to investigate the cause of these undesirable effects and to ensure that all possible measures are taken to prevent other people from feeling bad,” said Amanda Healy, director of Public Health of Durham County, in a previous press release published on June 13.
Contact an emergency service in case of symptoms
“Botulism is a rare infection, but it can be serious,” said the United Kingdom government of the Health Agency (UKHSA).
While the total number of victims is not still fixed, health authorities require surveillance. “If you have undergone recent treatment and have symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing or falling from the eyelids, communicate with NHS 111 or the emergency service to obtain additional advice and receive treatment,” alerts Dr. Joanne Darke, UKHSA Health Protection Consultant.
“I encourage anyone who has recently undergone an aesthetic intervention and present one of the symptoms listed to contact NHS 111 or, in case of danger of death, an emergency service,” adds Amanda Healy.
A disease that attacks the nervous system
Botulism is a “rare, but potentially deadly disease, caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria,” says the British government agency (NHS).
“These toxins attack the nervous system (nerves, brain and spinal cord) and cause paralysis (muscle weakness),” specifies the health agency, which emphasizes that “the disease is fatal in 5 to 10 % of cases”, even if “most people recover completely thanks to treatment.”
The first typical symptoms of botulism infection are: the sensation of discomfort, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea or constipation. Then, the infection can lead to a vision disorder, muscle weakness, difficulties in swallowing or breathing and speech problems.
Ascending illegal procedures
In identified cases, we talk about an iatrogenic botulism, according to CNN. This type of infection occurs when too much botox is injected into a muscle.
Botox is a product widely used in cosmetic surgery, which is supposed to erase wrinkles, but also in certain medical treatments, including migraines or excessive sweating.
According to the order of doctors, illegal medical and surgical acts for cosmetics Experience disturbing growth in France. In 2024, the number of reports reached a record of 128, against 123 in 2023 and 62 in 2022.
Source: BFM TV
