Fake Botox ‘poisoning cosmetic patients'
Victims experienced difficulties with breathing and swallowing, as well as slurred speech, after suffering from botulism, a rare and life-threatening condition.
The UK Healthcare Security Agency (UKHSA) issued a warning over the cases in the East of England and the East Midlands, following a spate of similar poisonings in the North East.
To date, 38 cases of 'iatrogenic botulism' have been reported between 4 June and 14 July.
The UKSHA said it was warning people to be aware of the symptoms after victims needed NHS care after suffering from adverse reactions.
Evidence so far suggests that an 'unlicensed Botox-like product' had been used, the agency said.
The practitioners involved have stopped offering the injections and are co-operating with an ongoing investigation, the UKSHA said.
Officials said there were no known links between the newly diagnosed cases and those in the North East.
Symptoms can take four weeks to develop
The UKHSA has urged members of the public to make sure they take precautions when seeking aesthetic procedures, including checking if the product being used is licensed.
Dr Gauri Godbole, a consultant medical microbiologist at the UKHSA, said: 'Botulism related to aesthetic procedures is rare, but it can be serious. It is caused by toxins produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. These toxins (but not the bacteria) are the active ingredient in 'Botox' and similar products.
'Symptoms of botulism can take up to four weeks to develop, and if you have had a recent botulinum toxin (Botox-like) treatment and are having symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or breathing, contact NHS 111 for further advice and seek treatment.'
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