
Sales of ‘fake botox' investigated after dozens of botulism cases
Botulism, a rare and potentially fatal condition, typically sees only six cases annually across England, making the recent surge in Durham and Darlington highly unusual.
All reported cases are linked to individuals who recently underwent cosmetic procedures, experiencing severe symptoms such as drooping eyelids, double vision, and difficulty swallowing.
One patient, Nicola Fairley, described her forehead freezing within two hours of receiving what she believed was a stronger botox, indicating the rapid and adverse effects of the illegal substance.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) are investigating, emphasizing that botulinum toxin is a prescription-only medicine and advising public caution.
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BBC News
13 hours ago
- BBC News
I didn't know my medication made me more sensitive to the sun
Summer holidays are meant to be a relaxing, stress-free after seven beautiful days of sun, sand and sea on the idyllic Greek island of Rhodes, I found myself battling dizziness and nausea for 48 hours. After a quick Google search, I discovered my symptoms matched those for heat exhaustion, something I had never experienced was only then that I found out my medication, which I take for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), makes me more sensitive to heat. Dr Alison Cave, chief safety officer at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), said medicine can "alter how your body responds to heat or sunlight". I had never before considered that my prescription could influence the way my body copes in high according to Dr Cave, "there are many medicines that can increase your sensitivity to heat and sunlight". Prescriptions range from diuretics and blood pressure medications to antidepressants and antipsychotics. Certain drugs can increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun, suppress thirst and reduce your ability to sweat. Some, like the stimulants I take, raise your body temperature, making you more vulnerable to overheating. "We also see a number of commonly prescribed medications - including some antibiotics, antidepressants, acne treatments, and painkillers like ibuprofen - that can increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun," Dr Cave added. For me, the warning of this possibility had been there all along, in the informational leaflet that comes along with my prescription. But I didn't properly read that advice until I returned home from the holiday, wondering whether my meds were the reason I had been so Cave recommended that you should "always read the patient information leaflet, and don't hesitate to ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for guidance", if taking medication when the weather is warmer. Emergency departments across the UK have recently reported a surge in people seeking urgent care during the August heatwave. The signs of heat exhaustion can include dizziness, headaches, excessive sweating, fatigue, nausea and muscle cramps. Left unchecked it can progress to heatstroke, a medical emergency that can be back, my symptoms make perfect sense. The sun was unrelenting in Rhodes, reaching temperatures up to the knowing that I was at a heightened risk, I was drinking far less water than I should have, and sitting in direct sunlight at the hottest time of day, hoping to get a tan. If someone is experiencing the symptoms of heat stroke, the NHS recommends moving them to a cool place, removing unnecessary layers, getting them to drink something hydrating, and cooling their they do not feel better after 30 minutes or have any other symptoms of heatstroke, you should call 999. Dr Cave said if you are taking medication and the weather turns warmer, the MHRA's advice is clear: "Stay hydrated, stay informed, and take sensible precautions."This includes ensuring medication is stored in a cool, dry place and out of direct sunlight. She also stressed the importance of reporting any side effects related to heat or sunlight while taking medication via the Yellow Card scheme, and not stopping medication without speaking to a doctor first. Overall, I returned from my holiday with more than just a sun tan. I came home with a new-found understanding of the impact my medication can have on my body, and a reminder to thoroughly read through the leaflets that come along with any medication I take.


Telegraph
18 hours ago
- Telegraph
Two die in Italy after eating sausage and turnip top sandwiches
Two people have died and more than a dozen have been taken to hospital after eating toxic sandwiches filled with sausages and turnip greens in Italy. Authorities have launched an investigation into an outbreak of toxic botulism after the panini were allegedly bought at a food truck near the town of Diamante in Calabria, the southern region that makes up the toe of the Italian boot. Luigi di Sarno, a 52-year-old artist, and Tamara D'Acunto, 45, have been named as the two fatalities. Post-mortem examinations are to be carried out on their bodies this week. Another 14 people came down with food poisoning, including two teenagers, and had to be taken to hospital. The victims all fell ill within 24 to 48 hours of eating the sandwiches. They went to the food truck and bought panini filled with grilled sausages and cime di rapa – or turnip tops – a popular summer vegetable in Italy similar to broccoli. Nine people are being investigated by the authorities, including the owner of the food truck and three employees of the company that allegedly made the sandwiches. Five doctors who treated the victims in two different hospitals near the city of Cosenza are also under investigation. They are accused of not having made their diagnoses quickly enough. Mr Di Sarno's sister said her brother was sent home from hospital despite still feeling unwell, and later died. 'Toxic botulism is highly potent,' said Enrico Di Rosa, the president of the Italian Society of Workplace Hygiene. 'Just a very small amount is enough to cause serious harm, as we have seen.' Investigators have ordered the nationwide seizure of the commercially produced panini. The food truck has also been seized and the products it sold are being analysed. Attacks the body's nerves Botulism is a serious illness that is caused by a toxin that attacks the body's nerves. It can cause muscle paralysis, breathing difficulties and death. It occurs typically in canned, preserved and fermented foods. The owner of the food truck, 33-year-old Giuseppe Santonocito, is said to be 'devastated' by the deaths. It is thought the turnip greens were kept in olive oil in glass jars or containers. 'He is psychologically devastated,' said his lawyer, Francesco Liserre. 'He has worked for around nine years in the food sector and he is well respected. He is convinced that the contamination was already in the products that he served. 'He bought the products at the end of July, he has the receipts to prove it. The containers were opened as and when necessary and the contents would make six or seven panini, so they were used up quickly.' The outbreak in Calabria is the second deadly case of botulism in Italy in just a few days. A 38-year-old woman died in late July after eating tainted guacamole sauce at a festival in Sardinia. Seven other people suffered acute food poisoning. 'Following two major clusters of botulinum intoxication that occurred in recent weeks in Sardinia and Calabria, the Department of Prevention, Research and Health Emergencies of the Ministry of Health immediately activated all the health protocols,' the health ministry said. 'The intervention system reacted promptly, ensuring that patients had timely access to life-saving antidote treatments.'


ITV News
19 hours ago
- ITV News
Heat warnings in place across England as temperatures forecast to hit 34C
The fourth heatwave of the summer has arrived as health alerts take effect across the country. Heat-related health warnings have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for the whole of England as temperatures could reach as high as 34 degrees Celsius in the south. Where are amber warnings in place? Yellow warnings are in place for the remainder of the country. Health and social care services could be severely impacted by high temperatures, the UKHSA has warned. This includes the potential for a rise in deaths, particularly those over the age of 65+ or with health conditions. Dr Paul Coleman, a consultant in public health at UKHSA, warns that these types of temperatures "can result in serious health outcomes across the population – particularly in those who are vulnerable, such as the elderly or those with serious health conditions – so it is important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun.' When trying to keep cool, the NHS recommends the following: Wear appropriate outdoor clothing Avoid the heat if you can, but if you have to go outside, avoid between 11 am - 3 pm Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and hot drinks Close windows during the day and keep them open at night Wear SPF Have a cool shower or put cool water on your skin or clothes Avoid exercise or activity that will make you feel hotter Electric fans can help in the temperature is below 35 degrees Signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke: Tiredness Dizziness Headache Nausea or being sick Excessive skin and skin becoming pale and clammy Heat rash Cramps in your arms, legs, and stomach Fast breathing or heartbeat High temperature Feeling very thirsty Feeling weak The Met Office defines a heatwave as temperatures hitting or exceeding a certain threshold for three consecutive days or more. For the majority of the UK, this is 25 degrees Celsius, but in London and the surrounding areas, it's 28 degrees Celsius. On Tuesday, officials warned that England is suffering from "nationally significant" water shortfalls, despite the presence of rain last month. The national drought group, which includes the government, the Met Office, regulators, water companies, and other organisations, has met as five parts of the country remain in drought. Six other areas are in a prolonged dry weather status. The lack of water is proving to have a widespread environmental and agricultural impact in England, affecting conditions for farming, livestock, and wildlife.