Urgent warning after several people develop Botulism following Botox injections
People considering receiving aesthetic procedures including Botox are being urged to take precautions.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says 'several' people from County Durham and Darlington suffered bad reactions after procedures involving botulinum toxin, also known as Botox.
The victims all developed their symptoms a few weeks after receiving the injection – but evidence so far doesn't suggest the product has been contaminated.
Reactions include severe drooping of the upper eye lids, double vision, difficulty swallowing, slurred speech and lethargy.
UKHSA advises doctors look out for botulism in people who may have recently received an aesthetic procedure, so they can be given the appropriate anti-toxin.
Dr Joanne Darke from UKHSA said: 'Botulism is a rare infection, but it can be serious. It is caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria.
'These toxins (but not the bacteria) are the active ingredient in Botox and similar products. There are effective treatments available.
'If you have had a recent botulinum toxin treatment and are having symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or drooping eyelids, contact NHS 111 for further advice and seek treatment. More Trending
'It is important to get checked out so you can have peace of mind and treatment if needed. It is also important to go to a licensed practitioner.'
The UKHSA is reminding anyone considering an aesthetic treatment that practitioners should wear protective equipment and wash their hands, should carry out a pre-consultation, should be prepared to share their qualifications and should require a consent form.
Botulism is a rare but life-threatening condition caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria.
The toxins attack the nervous system which causes paralysis.
Symptoms can take several days to develop, or appear within hours.
Depending on the exact type of botulism, some people initially have symptoms such as feeling sick, being sick (vomiting), stomach cramps, diarrhoea or constipation.
Other symptoms include: Drooping eyelids
Blurred or double vision
Facial muscle weakness
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
Slurred speech
Breathing difficulties
Babies suffering from botulism may have a weak cry, find it difficult to feed, or have a floppy head, neck and limbs.
Botulism is a serious condition – if you or someone you know has symptoms, go to your nearest A&E or call 999.
Amanda Healy, County Durham director of public health, said: 'We are working closely with colleagues at UKHSA to investigate the cause of these adverse reactions and to ensure all possible steps are taken to prevent more people becoming unwell.
'I would encourage anyone who has recently undertaken an aesthetic procedure, and is experiencing any of the symptoms listed, to contact NHS 111.'
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.
MORE: I have terminal cancer and won't wait around for the agonising death my wife had
MORE: Urgent recall for over 19,000 Dr Pepper Zero Sugar cans over 'serious' health risk
MORE: Chemical spill at explosives plant sends massive orange plume into air in Ohio
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
4 hours ago
- BBC News
Top tips on how stay safe at festivals this summer
People heading to Glastonbury and other festivals are being reminded to remain aware of health risks so they can enjoy events kicks off the festival season in two weeks - but ongoing risks around measles, sexually transmitted diseases and illegal drugs remain."Most risks can be avoided by taking simple steps to help protect yourself, remembering to keep yourself cool and avoid excess alcohol can help keep you safe during periods of hot weather," said Alison Bell, acting director of public health for Somerset authority have worked with the UK Health Security Agency to put together five tips on staying safe at festivals this year: Get your MMR Measles is currently circulating across the country and has high numbers in the South West and include a high fever, sore red watery eyes and a blotchy red-brown rash. It is particularly easy to catch when in close contact with others, such as in with symptoms is advised to stay at home and contact their GP or NHS remains the best way to protect yourself and others around you. Prepare for the weather While the weather cannot be predicted - everyone is hoping for sun when they head to a the UKHSA say it is important to pack for all to take wellies, waterproofs and warm layers in case the weather takes a turn or gets cold at - remember to pack a refillable water bottle, sun hat and sun cream and avoid excessive alcohol consumption in hot a look-out for signs of heat-related harm in yourself, your friends, and other people around the festival and seek help if you are struggling. Practice safe sex Certain sexually transmitted diseases are currently on the rise and the UKHSA is reminding everyone to practice safe sex and get regularly is free and confidential, and you should get tested even if you are not showing any symptoms."Condoms are the best defence, but if you didn't use one the last time you had sex with a new or casual partner, get tested to detect any potential infections early and prevent passing them on to others," said Dr Alasdair Wood, consultant in health protection at UKHSA South West. Be aware of ticks Regularly check clothing and skin for ticks and brush them off outdoors if they have not a tick has burrowed into your skin - it must be removed as soon as possible using a tick tool or remove a tick, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upwards slowly and use of insect repellents such as DEET can repel ticks and prevent them from climbing onto clothing or attaching to can cause illnesses such as Lyme disease if not removed properly. Avoid illegal substances The message from most festivals is not to bring or use illegal substances to the enforcement laws are as applicable on the festival site as anywhere else in the country and you risk being arrested and evicted from the site if found with are reminded if they do ignore that advice and become ill or experience unusual effects from any substances taken, to seek immediate help from the medical or welfare services on site who can provide help and use – using more than one drug at a time – intensifies the effects of the drugs and makes them more dangerous. Mixing alcohol alongside other drugs is one of the most common forms of polydrug use and can seriously increase the strength and impact of those substances, increasing the chances of a potentially fatal chemical reaction.
The Independent
19 hours ago
- The Independent
Experts warn Glastonbury could be high risk for measles outbreak
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned that festivals, including Glastonbury, are high-risk environments for measles spread due to ongoing outbreaks across England. Measles cases are primarily affecting unvaccinated children under 10, but cases have also been reported in young people and adults. Dr. Alasdair Wood of UKHSA South West urges festival-goers to ensure they are fully vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) and to contact their GP for an appointment if needed. The UKHSA is also seeing an increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among young people and advises early testing. Measles cases are rising globally, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) reporting a significant increase in Europe, and outbreaks have been seen in several European countries, prompting the UKHSA to urge vaccination before travelling abroad.
The Independent
a day ago
- The Independent
Glastonbury festival-goers warned over surge in highly infectious measles cases
Glastonbury festival-goers have been urged to check they are vaccinated for measles amid an increasing number of outbreaks of the highly infectious disease. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned that measles is 'circulating across the country and festivals are the perfect place for measles to spread'. There are 'ongoing outbreaks' of measles in a number of regions across England and in London, according to the UKHSA's June update. Cases have mainly been in unvaccinated children aged 10 years and under, however, there are reported cases in young people and adults. Glastonbury festival gets underway on 25th June and attracts families as well as other music fans. Dr Alasdair Wood, consultant in health protection at UKHSA South West told ITV: 'We want festival-goers to enjoy their time at Glastonbury and other festivals this year. 'Being aware of the current health risks will help those attending enjoy their time, as much as possible. 'Measles is circulating across the country, and festivals are the perfect place for measles to spread. If you're not fully vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella, please contact your GP to see if you can get an appointment before coming to the festival'. Dr Wood said the agency was also seeing an increase in cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly affecting young people. He urged people to get tested early to detect any potential infections early. Measles cases are on the rise worldwide, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) reporting 127,350 cases in Europe in 2024. This was double the number of cases reported in 2023, and the highest number since 1997. Outbreaks have already been seen this year in France, Italy, Spain and Germany, with the UKHSA urging people to get vaccinated before they travel abroad. In England, there has been a decline in the uptake of childhood vaccinations, leaving many thousands of children unprotected. Dr Vanessa Saliba, consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said: 'Measles spreads very easily and can be a nasty disease, leading to complications like ear and chest infections and inflammation of the brain with some children tragically ending up in hospital and suffering life-long consequences.' Glastonbury festival has sold a 'few thousand less tickets' this year in a bid to avoid overcrowding, organiser Emily Eavis revealed this week.
