Latest news with #AmandaHealy
Metro
a day ago
- Health
- Metro
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@ 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
The Independent
a day ago
- Health
- The Independent
Botox warning as raft of people report concerning symptoms
Several people in County Durham have experienced adverse reactions to botulinum toxin (Botox) injections, including severe eyelid drooping, double vision, difficulty swallowing, slurred speech, and lethargy. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is investigating the cases but has found no indication of product contamination. County Durham's director of public health, Amanda Healy, said they are working with the UKHSA to investigate the cause and prevent further cases. Doctors say botulism is rare but serious, and anyone with symptoms like difficulty swallowing or drooping eyelids is being urged to contact NHS 111 or A&E. A reminder has been issued that Botox practitioners should wear protective equipment, conduct pre-consultations, share qualifications, and require consent forms.
The Independent
a day ago
- Health
- The Independent
String of negative botox reactions prompts health chiefs to issue warning
A health warning has been issued after several people in the North East of England experienced adverse reactions to botulinum toxin, commonly known as Botox. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has been alerted to cases in County Durham where patients sought medical attention for reactions including severe eyelid drooping, double vision, difficulty swallowing, slurred speech, and lethargy. These symptoms reportedly emerged weeks after receiving the injections. While the source of the reactions remains under investigation, there is no indication that the product itself was contaminated. The UKHSA has advised clinicians to remain vigilant for signs of botulism in individuals who have recently undergone aesthetic procedures. Prompt identification is crucial to ensure timely treatment, which may involve administering an anti-toxin. Dr Joanne Darke, consultant in health protection with the UKHSA, emphasised the seriousness of the condition, stating, "Botulism is a rare infection, but it can be serious." 'It is caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. 'There are effective treatments available. 'If you have had a recent treatment and are having symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or drooping eyelids, contact NHS 111 or A&E for further advice and seek treatment. '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.' 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.' People considering an aesthetic treatment are reminded 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. Earlier this year, a petition was launched to crackdown on 'unregulated' cosmetic treatments like botox and lip fillers. It was backed by Conservative MP Bradley Thomas who warned of an "emergent healthcare crisis" involving unregulated cosmetic treatments such as Botox and lip fillers on high streets. He told the Commons that the demand for non-surgical aesthetic treatments is being "partially fuelled by social media and societal pressures on young people".
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
At least 8 left needing urgent medical care after rare infection from Botox
More than eight Brits have been left needing urgent medical attention following Botox injections - they went to hospitals in one region of the UK showing symptoms of a rare infection Several people are seeking urgent medical attention following Botox injections, the Mirror can reveal. More than eight individuals have presented at NHS hospitals across County Durham and Darlington with symptoms of botulism — a rare infection caused by the anti-wrinkle treatment. Their symptoms range from struggling to swallow to drooping eyelids and slurred speech. The UK Health Security Agency has been notified of the incident and last night urged medics to look out for others with similar symptoms. The Mirror understands patients presenting with symptoms were injected several weeks ago. The evidence so far does not suggest the product used has been contaminated. Dr Joanne Darke, the UKHSA's Consultant in Health Protection, said: 'Botulism is a rare infection, but it can be serious. 'It is caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. There are effective treatments available. 'If you have had a recent treatment and are having symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or drooping eyelids, contact NHS 111 for further advice and seek treatment. 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.' 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.' 'Aesthetics procedures are becoming increasingly popular on the high street, and we recommend that anyone considering a treatment follows a simple checklist: Make sure your practitioner is wearing PPE and washing their hands. They should carry out a pre-consultation, including an assessment of your medical history and be happy to discuss their qualifications. They should also provide you with a consent form on the risks for you to sign.' Botulinum toxin - branded as Botox - is injected into the face to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Symptoms of botulism can include: drooping eyelids blurred or double vision facial muscle weakness difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) slurred speech breathing difficulties
ITV News
a day ago
- Health
- ITV News
People in County Durham treated for suspected 'botulism' after cosmetic procedures
Several people from County Durham and Darlington are being treated for suspected botulism, after recent cosmetic procedures, involving what is commonly known as Botox. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging people to take precautions when seeking aesthetic treatments. Botulism is a rare condition, but can be serious, and in some cases even life-threatening. The symptoms include drooping of the eye lids, blurred or double vision, difficulty swallowing and slurred speech. The UKHSA has said investigations are ongoing into the recent cases in Durham, but evidence so far does not suggest that the product used had been contaminated. Dr Joanne Darke from the UKHSA has said anyone with symptoms should seek advice and treatment. She 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. "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.' Meanwhile, Amanda Healy, the Director of Public Health in County Durham, has said her team is "working closely" with colleagues at UKHSA to ensure "all possible steps are taken to prevent more people becoming unwell." The UKHSA is advising anyone considering cosmetic treatments to follow a simple checklist:
