Botulism: Spike in UK cases of extremely rare condition linked to ‘fake botox'
Botulism is a potentially fatal condition caused by a bacteria-produced toxin, which attacks the body's nerves and can cause paralysis of the muscles and respiratory system. It is extremely rare, with just six cases recorded across England in 2023-24.
But – in the space of just a few weeks – 28 cases of botulism have now been reported in North East England, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) – which warned that more cases may yet come to light.
The cases, most of which are in the Durham and Darlington areas, have all been reported by people who had recently undergone cosmetic procedures.
Reactions have included severe drooping of the upper eye lids, double vision, difficulty swallowing, slurred speech and lethargy, according to the UKHSA.
On one night in June, five of the people affected all ended up in the same A&E department in Durham, according to the BBC, which cited internal hospital communications in showing that the local stock of anti-toxin was nearly exhausted, forcing medics to request more from London as they 'braced' for more patients.
One of the five patients, Nicola Fairley – a mother of four from Bishop Auckland, in County Durham – told the broadcaster that she had received anti-wrinkle injections in the past, paying £100 for three areas.
But she then won a round of treatment from the same provider in a competition, using what she was told was a stronger type of botox and again had three areas injected, without realising the treatment was illegal.
While genuine injections should take several days to start working, the 37-year-old said her forehead became 'frozen' within two hours.
The business owner who gave Ms Fairley the injections has since apologised, she said, adding: 'I know she hasn't done this on purpose. I just don't know where people get it from – it's scary.
'There needs to be more rules and stricter guidelines on who can do it – not just anybody who can go and do a course and just do it. There's that many people who do it – it's part of your beauty regime like getting your nails done or your hair.'
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is now understood to be investigating the spate of cases.
Dr Alison Cave, the agency's chief safety officer, said: 'Public safety is a top priority for the MHRA. Our Criminal Enforcement Unit works hard to identify those involved in the illegal trade in medicines and takes robust enforcement action where necessary. This can include criminal prosecution.
'Botulinum toxin (Botox) is a prescription-only medicine and should only be available in the UK under the supervision of a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional
'Buying Botox and other medicines from illegal suppliers significantly increases the risk of getting a product which is either falsified or not authorised for use in the UK.'
Dr Simon Howard of the UKHSA said that agency was still investigating the cause of the cases, and said the practitioners associated with most of the cases were no longer carrying out the procedures.
'However, that does not mean that we may not see more cases as symptoms can take up to four weeks to develop although we are now seeing the number of cases coming forward decreasing which is encouraging news,' said Dr Howard.
'We will continue to work with our partners to reduce the public health risk and would advise people to make sure they take precautions when seeking aesthetic procedures.
'Anyone who has recently undertaken an aesthetic procedure, and is experiencing any of the symptoms listed, should contact NHS 111.'
The Department for Health and Social Care said the government was looking into new regulations, with people's lives currently being put at risk by 'inadequately trained operators in the cosmetic sector'.
'We urge anyone considering cosmetic procedures to consider the possible health impacts and find a reputable, insured and qualified practitioner,' a spokesperson told the BBC.
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2 days ago
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Toxic beauty product causes outbreak of deadly disease leaving patients ‘frozen'
Patients who have unlicensed botox injections are at risk of contracting a potentially deadly disease unfamiliar to many doctors. So far, 38 cases of botulism linked to anti-wrinkle injections have been recorded by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Nicola Fairley ended up in A&E just days after a botox procedure done by her regular beautician at her home left her tired and unable to swallow food. Doctors believed at first she had suffered from a stroke. Nicola says she met several other patients with similar symptoms at the A&E in Durham, with one even requiring resuscitation. 'We all had problems with our eyes, some of us with our breathing. I couldn't swallow – they put me on nil by mouth because they were worried I would choke in the waiting room', she said. She was forced to wait for the anti-toxin to cure her disease as the hospital had run out from treating other patients. Nicola still has no idea which product was used for her treatment or how much of it, as her beautician has ceased all contact with her. Symptoms of botulism include weakness, blurry vision, difficulty speaking and feeling tired. The disease can be potentially fatal and is so rare that many doctors have yet to encounter it, with many having to ask other medical professionals in major cities for more information on how to treat it. Medics have warned of a potential outbreak for years, given the poor regulation of private clinics offering injections – a £3billion industry. A survey by ITV's This Morning found that half of respondents had sought medical help after having cosmetic treatments, while 15 per cent had ended up in hospital. Another patient, Kaylie Bailey was driving her son to a new school with her newborn baby when she had double vision at the wheel. She told the programme: 'I thought at one point I was going to end up going blind my eyes were so bad.' The mother was told by doctors that it was possible the injection had gone into her muscle by mistake, causing her eyelids to droop. After spending the 'worst week of my life' only being to see from the bottom of her eyes, Kaylie returned to hospital where her condition was eventually properly diagnosed. She later found out she had been injected with a product called Toxpia, which can be purchased for just £92 for two vials, around three to four times cheaper than a genuine botox product. Dr Zoe Williams said that a case botulism is something an average medic would expect to see once in a career. She said: 'When they're used properly.. the risks of getting botulism is extremely rare. But anybody can get their hands on fake products.' Dr Steven Land, an aesthetic specialist, described the botox industry as 'the wild west'. He told Sky News treatments can be offered by anyone, including those who could inject illegal and potentially lethal substances into patients, including rat poison. More Trending The situation is worsened by 'drug dealers' who have saturated the market with cheap products often on promotion, he added. While there a several voluntary associations for professionals within the aesthetics industry, there are currently no mandatory training requirements for practitioners in the UK. A licensing system for non-surgical cosmetic procedures was proposed by the previous Conservative government. The scheme would have required practitioners to obtain a permit to carry out certain procedures, as well as a separate licence for their medical practice. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: What happens to the body when it's dying of starvation amid Gaza hunger crisis MORE: Tesco urgently recalls lunch time favourites over salmonella fears MORE: Wild Nutrition is hosting its first ever London pop-up – here's why you don't want to miss it
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2 days ago
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‘Doctors thought I had a stroke after Botox injection'
Nicola Fairley is one of 38 cases of botulism so far linked to unlicensed anti-wrinkle injections in recent outbreak of disease many doctors have never treated. Fairley was left unable to swallow and doctors thought she had suffered a stroke after contracting the life-threatening illness from a potentially illegal product. The botox was administered by her usual beautician after she won a Facebook competition. Botulism symptoms include slurred speech, breathing problems and can be deadly, it's so rare many doctors never see it in their entire careers.
The Independent
2 days ago
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Botulism: Spike in UK cases of extremely rare condition linked to ‘fake botox'
Regulators are urgently investigating the suspected illegal sale of fake botox after dozens of botulism cases were reported in North East England. Botulism is a potentially fatal condition caused by a bacteria-produced toxin, which attacks the body's nerves and can cause paralysis of the muscles and respiratory system. It is extremely rare, with just six cases recorded across England in 2023-24. But – in the space of just a few weeks – 28 cases of botulism have now been reported in North East England, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) – which warned that more cases may yet come to light. The cases, most of which are in the Durham and Darlington areas, have all been reported by people who had recently undergone cosmetic procedures. Reactions have included severe drooping of the upper eye lids, double vision, difficulty swallowing, slurred speech and lethargy, according to the UKHSA. On one night in June, five of the people affected all ended up in the same A&E department in Durham, according to the BBC, which cited internal hospital communications in showing that the local stock of anti-toxin was nearly exhausted, forcing medics to request more from London as they 'braced' for more patients. One of the five patients, Nicola Fairley – a mother of four from Bishop Auckland, in County Durham – told the broadcaster that she had received anti-wrinkle injections in the past, paying £100 for three areas. But she then won a round of treatment from the same provider in a competition, using what she was told was a stronger type of botox and again had three areas injected, without realising the treatment was illegal. While genuine injections should take several days to start working, the 37-year-old said her forehead became 'frozen' within two hours. The business owner who gave Ms Fairley the injections has since apologised, she said, adding: 'I know she hasn't done this on purpose. I just don't know where people get it from – it's scary. 'There needs to be more rules and stricter guidelines on who can do it – not just anybody who can go and do a course and just do it. There's that many people who do it – it's part of your beauty regime like getting your nails done or your hair.' The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is now understood to be investigating the spate of cases. Dr Alison Cave, the agency's chief safety officer, said: 'Public safety is a top priority for the MHRA. Our Criminal Enforcement Unit works hard to identify those involved in the illegal trade in medicines and takes robust enforcement action where necessary. This can include criminal prosecution. 'Botulinum toxin (Botox) is a prescription-only medicine and should only be available in the UK under the supervision of a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional 'Buying Botox and other medicines from illegal suppliers significantly increases the risk of getting a product which is either falsified or not authorised for use in the UK.' Dr Simon Howard of the UKHSA said that agency was still investigating the cause of the cases, and said the practitioners associated with most of the cases were no longer carrying out the procedures. 'However, that does not mean that we may not see more cases as symptoms can take up to four weeks to develop although we are now seeing the number of cases coming forward decreasing which is encouraging news,' said Dr Howard. 'We will continue to work with our partners to reduce the public health risk and would advise people to make sure they take precautions when seeking aesthetic procedures. 'Anyone who has recently undertaken an aesthetic procedure, and is experiencing any of the symptoms listed, should contact NHS 111.' The Department for Health and Social Care said the government was looking into new regulations, with people's lives currently being put at risk by 'inadequately trained operators in the cosmetic sector'. 'We urge anyone considering cosmetic procedures to consider the possible health impacts and find a reputable, insured and qualified practitioner,' a spokesperson told the BBC.
