United States: Health officials in the UK report dozens of cases of a rare and dangerous illness recorded in the northeastern parts of England after Botox injections.
More about the news
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said on June 20 that at least 28 individuals experienced symptoms of botulism, a potentially fatal condition that potentially damages the nervous system, due to cosmetic procedures, as referenced by CNN.
As per the Investigators at the agency, “evidence so far does not suggest that the product used has been contaminated. Symptoms are being reported a few days up to four weeks after injection.” US News reported.
The cases that have recently occurred are known as a type of botulism referred to as iatrogenic botulism, which may be realized due to excessive amounts of Botox administration.
The agency is also exploring the illicit sales of Botox-like products.
Dozens of people in northeastern England have developed a rare and dangerous illness after receiving #Botox injections, according to health officials in the U.K. https://t.co/WQC6km7xaT
— HealthDay News (@HealthDayTweets) June 24, 2025
There are botulism-causing toxins produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, which is known to cause muscle weakness and even paralysis.
“These toxins (but not the bacteria) are the active ingredient in Botox and similar products,” as per Dr. Joanne Darke, who is a health protection consultant at UKHSA, CNN reported.
It’s “important to go to a licensed practitioner,” as Darke continued.
The victims have reported puffy eyelids, abnormal vision, slurred speech, problem swallowing, and weakness, CNN said.
Rare botulism may be deadly in 5 to 10 percent of instances, as noted by the National Health Service (NHS) of the UK.
When ignored, it may extend to the respiratory muscles, which are used to regulate breathing. The treatment of most people is fast, and it typically consists of antitoxin injections.
“The practitioners associated with most of the reported cases are no longer carrying out these procedures,” as per Simon Howard, who is a consultant in health protection at the UKHSA,
It is still possible to discover more cases since symptoms could emerge after up to four weeks, he stated.
In the meantime, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) of the US commented that it has been investigating the reports of the illegal sales of Botox in the North-East area.
“Botulinum toxin (Botox) is a prescription-only medicine and should only be available in the U.K. under the supervision of a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional,” as per Dr. Alison Cave, who is the agency’s chief safety officer.
She said that the criminal enforcement team of the agency is making an effort to identify and prosecute the looters and the people involved in smuggling.