Latest news with #GauriGodbole
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Urgent botulism warning as ‘Botox' leaves 41 in hospital with horror symptoms that can strike weeks later
How to protect yourself if you're considering Botox and all the questions you should ask your practitioner FACE IT Urgent botulism warning as 'Botox' leaves 41 in hospital with horror symptoms that can strike weeks later COSMETIC treatments have landed 41 people in hospital with paralysing botulism infections - with symptoms sometimes taking weeks to develop. Investigations suggest patients were injected with "unlicensed Botox-like products", the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said. Advertisement 1 Symptoms of botulism can strike up to four weeks after a cosmetic procedure Credit: Getty Forty-one people were treated for serious reactions to 'Botox' procedures between 4 June and 6 August, the health watchdog said. Patients reported reactions such as difficulty swallowing, slurred speech and breathing difficulties, which meant they needed respiratory support. This happens when the paralysis spreads to the muscles used for breathing, and can be lethal without treatment. The UKHSA said the cases are linked to iatrogenic botulism - a rare but serious illness caused by exposure botulinum toxin, the main ingredient in Botox-like products. Advertisement It can happen if too much of the substance is injected or if the product is contaminated with bacteria - the risk of which is higher with unlicensed or untrained practitioners. Dr Gauri Godbole, a consultant medical microbiologist at 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." Advertisement The toxins attack the nervous system, including the nerves, brain, and spinal cord, and cause paralysis. It can take "up to four weeks" for symptoms to appear following a procedure, Dr Godbole added. Tweakment Trials - Botox So far, cases have been reported in the: North East East Midlands East of England North West Yorkshire and Humber Since the last update on July 18, the total of affected patients has increased by three. Advertisement UKHSA urged people to take precautions when booking aesthetic procedures like Botox injections. Protecting yourself in cosmetic procedures Take extra care when getting any cosmetic enhancements done. Always book a consultation with the person who will do the procedure before making your final decision. Ask them: How many of these procedures they've done What qualifications and training they have If they're a member of a relevant professional association that shows they meet set standards in training and skill About the most common complications of the procedure What aftercare you can expect and who will look after you What to do if something goes wrong or you're not happy with the result How much it'll cost, and if it'll cost extra to have further treatment if needed The practitioner should tell you exactly what the procedure involves, including: How it'll be done How long it'll take Whether anaesthetic is needed What pain you can expect afterwards How long the recovery should be The potential risks and complications How long the results will last What you can expect to look like after the procedure You can if someone is qualified by checking they're registered with a suitable specialist association and trained in the right procedures. You can check if professionals offering cosmetic procedures are on a voluntary register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). These registers show that practitioners meet set standards of training, insurance and skill: the Joint Council of Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP) Save Face Botox precautions Botulinum toxin injections, such as Botox or Dysport, are prescription-only medicines. They can only be prescribed after a consultation between you and a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or nurse. The person giving the injections does not have to be the same person who gave you the prescription. But the prescriber must ensure that the person giving you the injections is trained and safe to do so. Source: NHS This means checking if the product being used is licensed, and asking the practitioner about their qualifications, common complications of the procedure and aftercare tips. Brits were also warned not to buy products from websites with the intention of injecting them themselves. Dr Alison Cave, chief safety officer at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) - which is is also investigating the outbreak - said: "Botulinum toxin is a prescription-only medicine and should only be sold or supplied in accordance with a prescription given by an appropriate practitioner such as a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional. Advertisement 'Buying botulinum toxin in any other circumstances significantly increases the risk of getting a product which is either falsified or not licensed for use in the UK. "This means that there are no safeguards to ensure products meet the MHRA's standards for quality and safety. "As such, they can endanger the health of the people who take them. '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.' Advertisement Meanwhile, UKHSA is warning medics to be on the lookout for botulism symptoms in people who've recently had cosmetic procedures, so they can be given anti-toxins promptly. Dr Godbole told patients: "If you have had a recent Botox-like treatment and are having symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or breathing, contact NHS 111 for further advice and seek treatment." UKHSA previously reported that practitioners connected to the botulism outbreak have stopped offering the procedure and are cooperating with the investigation. The new cases of Botox-induced botulism in the East Midlands and East of England are not thought to be linked to 28 cases reported in the North-East in June - most of them in Durham and Darlington. Advertisement
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Health warning as 41 people hospitalised by botox injections this summer
UK Health Security Agency says people left unable to swallow, with slurred speech and difficulty breathing Health bosses say 41 people have been hospitalised after undergoing cosmetic treatments. The UK Health Security Agency said people have left unable to swallow, with slurred speech and difficulty breathing. The toxin is used in botox treatment - which people get to smooth out wrinkles caused by muscle contractions, such as those in the forehead and around the eyes. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said the number of clinically confirmed cases of iatrogenic botulism reported between 4 June and 6 August 2025 is now 41. Cases have been reported in the North East, East Midlands, East of England, North West and Yorkshire and Humber. Investigations are ongoing but evidence so far suggests the use of an unlicensed Botox-like product. Reactions have included: difficulty swallowing slurred speech breathing difficulty requiring respiratory support UKHSA has issued national advice to clinicians to ensure that they look out for botulism in people who may have had a recent aesthetic procedure, in order to provide them appropriate treatment which includes giving anti-toxin. UKHSA continues to advise people to take precautions when seeking aesthetic procedures, including checking if the product being used is licensed. Members of the public should also be advised not to purchase products from websites for self-administration. Dr Gauri Godbole, Consultant Medical Microbiologist at UKHSA, said: 'We are working closely with our partners to reduce the public health risk and would advise people to make sure they take precautions when seeking aesthetic procedures. '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 4 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. 'If you are considering having a cosmetic procedure, please make sure to check that your practitioner is using a licensed product. On the NHS website there is more information on what sensible steps you can take when finding a practitioner.' Reactions have included severe eyelid drooping, double vision, trouble swallowing, slurred speech and lethargy, which can happen weeks after the procedure. Dr Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer said: 'Public safety is a top priority for the MHRA. Botulinum toxin is a prescription-only medicine and should only be sold or supplied in accordance with a prescription given by an appropriate practitioner such as a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional. 'Buying botulinum toxin in any other circumstances significantly increases the risk of getting a product which is either falsified or not licensed for use in the UK. This means that there are no safeguards to ensure products meet the MHRA's standards for quality and safety. As such, they can endanger the health of the people who take them. '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.' It was today announced that new measures are being rolled out to crack down on cowboy cosmetic procedures will be introduced by the government. Only suitably qualified healthcare professionals will be able to deliver high-risk procedures such as Brazilian Butt Lifts. Clinics administering fillers and Botox will need to meet strict standards to obtain a licence. Kids to be protected from dangerous beauty trends on social media through plans for new age restrictions on treatments Robust measures will protect people and save the NHS time and money fixing botched procedures.
Scotsman
7 days ago
- Health
- Scotsman
Symptoms of E.coli after rise in cases linked to contaminated salad
is highly contagious and can easily spread in schools, nurseries or hospitals 🚨 Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Cases of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infections increased by 26% last year, according to the latest data. The highest number of cases was in children under the age of four. The possible cause of the rise has been put down to contaminated salad leaves. People are being urged to look out for the signs and symptoms of after cases increased by 26% last year, according to the latest data from the UKHSA. There were 2,544 cases of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infections reported in 2024, an increase of 26.1% compared to 2023. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The highest number of cases was in children under four, with possible reasons including less immunity, underdeveloped hygiene practices, parents seeking care when children were symptomatic, and potential exposure risks, such as contact with farm animals, particularly at petting farms. There were five STEC outbreaks in 2024; the largest was linked to contaminated salad leaves, which resulted in 293 cases. Of this, 126 cases needed hospital care, 11 developed life-threatening complications, and there were two deaths. Cases of a deadly strain of rose by 26% last year. |Dr Gauri Godbole, Deputy Director, Gastrointestinal Infections, Food Safety and One Health at UKHSA, said: 'STEC cases rose by around a quarter in 2024. While this rise is partly due to one foodborne outbreak, we have been seeing STEC cases gradually increase since 2022, and therefore it's important for people to take steps to prevent infection. 'If you have any STEC symptoms, like mild to bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and dehydration, wash your hands with soap and warm water and use bleach-based products to clean surfaces. Don't prepare food for others if you have symptoms or for 48 hours after symptoms stop. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'It is important for parents to make sure that young children wash their hands with soap and hot water and dry them thoroughly before eating, where possible, especially after playing outdoors and visiting pet farms. If you are travelling abroad, it's important to remember routine hygiene practices to reduce your chances of becoming unwell. 'Rarely STEC can progress to cause kidney failure and life-threatening illness, particularly in young children and the elderly. Please consult your GP or healthcare professional if you have blood in your stools or severe dehydration, and continue to hydrate yourself.' What is E. coli is a group of bacteria that can cause infections in your gastrointestinal tract and other areas of the body. Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is a common strain of in the UK, with cases rising sharply since last year. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad What are the symptoms of a STEC infection? The symptoms of a STEC infection can last up to two weeks. For some people, they can be mild, including diarrhoea, or even no symptoms at all. However, for others, symptoms can include mild to bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and dehydration. A small percentage of patients may develop a serious life-threatening complication called haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), which can cause kidney failure. Is contagious? is highly infectious; only a few bacteria are needed to cause illness. An infection can easily spread amongst families or in settings such as nurseries, primary schools, hospitals, or nursing homes. How can you avoid getting an infection? If you have symptoms of STEC, you should wash your hands with soap and warm water, use bleach-based products to clean surfaces, and avoid preparing any food for 48 hours after symptoms stop. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad For children, make sure they wash their hands with warm water and soap before eating, and especially if they have been outside or around animals. You can find out more about food safety and how to avoid catching at .
Scotsman
7 days ago
- Health
- Scotsman
Symptoms of E.coli after rise in cases linked to contaminated salad
is highly contagious and can easily spread in schools, nurseries or hospitals 🚨 Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Cases of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infections increased by 26% last year, according to the latest data. The highest number of cases was in children under the age of four. The possible cause of the rise has been put down to contaminated salad leaves. People are being urged to look out for the signs and symptoms of after cases increased by 26% last year, according to the latest data from the UKHSA. There were 2,544 cases of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infections reported in 2024, an increase of 26.1% compared to 2023. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The highest number of cases was in children under four, with possible reasons including less immunity, underdeveloped hygiene practices, parents seeking care when children were symptomatic, and potential exposure risks, such as contact with farm animals, particularly at petting farms. There were five STEC outbreaks in 2024; the largest was linked to contaminated salad leaves, which resulted in 293 cases. Of this, 126 cases needed hospital care, 11 developed life-threatening complications, and there were two deaths. Cases of a deadly strain of rose by 26% last year. |Dr Gauri Godbole, Deputy Director, Gastrointestinal Infections, Food Safety and One Health at UKHSA, said: 'STEC cases rose by around a quarter in 2024. While this rise is partly due to one foodborne outbreak, we have been seeing STEC cases gradually increase since 2022, and therefore it's important for people to take steps to prevent infection. 'If you have any STEC symptoms, like mild to bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and dehydration, wash your hands with soap and warm water and use bleach-based products to clean surfaces. Don't prepare food for others if you have symptoms or for 48 hours after symptoms stop. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'It is important for parents to make sure that young children wash their hands with soap and hot water and dry them thoroughly before eating, where possible, especially after playing outdoors and visiting pet farms. If you are travelling abroad, it's important to remember routine hygiene practices to reduce your chances of becoming unwell. 'Rarely STEC can progress to cause kidney failure and life-threatening illness, particularly in young children and the elderly. Please consult your GP or healthcare professional if you have blood in your stools or severe dehydration, and continue to hydrate yourself.' What is E. coli is a group of bacteria that can cause infections in your gastrointestinal tract and other areas of the body. Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is a common strain of in the UK, with cases rising sharply since last year. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad What are the symptoms of a STEC infection? The symptoms of a STEC infection can last up to two weeks. For some people, they can be mild, including diarrhoea, or even no symptoms at all. However, for others, symptoms can include mild to bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and dehydration. A small percentage of patients may develop a serious life-threatening complication called haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), which can cause kidney failure. Is contagious? is highly infectious; only a few bacteria are needed to cause illness. An infection can easily spread amongst families or in settings such as nurseries, primary schools, hospitals, or nursing homes. How can you avoid getting an infection? If you have symptoms of STEC, you should wash your hands with soap and warm water, use bleach-based products to clean surfaces, and avoid preparing any food for 48 hours after symptoms stop. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad For children, make sure they wash their hands with warm water and soap before eating, and especially if they have been outside or around animals.
Daily Mirror
31-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
UK officials issue 48-hour alert amid rise in foodborne illness that killed seven
There was a 26 per cent rise in cases of the potentially deadly infection in just one year Health experts have issued Brits a 48-hour warning amid a rise in cases of an illness that has killed seven people in England. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) told people to look out for any potential symptoms of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). STEC is a strain of that can cause diarrhoea with blood, stomach cramps, and fever. However, in some cases it can also lead to deadly complications such as sepsis and haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS). It can be spread through contaminated food or through contact with an infected person. Therefore, the UKHSA has urged people not to prepare food for others for at least 48 hours after symptoms stop. This comes following a 26 per cent rise in STEC cases in England in just one year. In a post made to X, the health body said: 'We've seen an increase in cases of STEC, a foodborne illness that can cause diarrhoea, bloody stools and stomach cramps. ' Children aged one to four years were most affected and we're reminding parents to make sure young children wash their hands with soap and warm water before eating. Our latest data shows that Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) cases have increased by 26 per cent in 2024, compared to 2023.' The most recent figures show that a total of 2,544 culture-confirmed cases of STEC were reported in England during 2024. Young children were most affected, with the UKHSA linking this to a number of factors including weaker immunity, less developed hygiene practices, a greater likelihood of parents seeking healthcare when young children are symptomatic, and potential exposure to risk factors such as contact with farm animals, particularly at petting farms. Last year, around two per cent of STEC cases went on to develop haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS). This condition causes small blood vessels become damaged and inflamed and can lead to kidney failure. As reported by the UKHSA, there were seven deaths caused by STEC in 2024. Dr Gauri Godbole, deputy director of gastrointestinal infections, food safety and one health at the UKHSA, commented to say: 'STEC cases rose by around a quarter in 2024. While this rise is partly due to one foodborne outbreak, we have been seeing STEC cases gradually increase since 2022 and therefore it's important for people to take steps to prevent infection. 'If you have any STEC symptoms, like mild to bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and dehydration, wash your hands with soap and warm water and use bleach-based products to clean surfaces. Don't prepare food for others if you have symptoms or for 48 hours after symptoms stop. 'It is important for parents to make sure that young children wash their hands with soap and hot water and dry them thoroughly before eating where possible, especially after playing outdoors and visiting pet farms. If you are travelling abroad, it's important to remember routine hygiene practices to reduce your chances of becoming unwell. 'Rarely STEC can progress to cause kidney failure and life-threatening illness, particularly in young children and elderly.' She urged people to consult your GP or healthcare professional if they have blood in your stools or severe dehydration and continue to stay hydrated. In 2024, the UKHSA investigated five STEC outbreaks involving 467 cases, with 348 in England. The sources for three of these outbreaks were contaminated beef, fresh fruit, and salad leaves. The largest outbreak was linked to contaminated salad leaves which resulted in 293 cases, including 196 cases in England. Of the 293 cases, 126 cases needed hospital care, 11 developed complications of HUS, and two died. For more information, including how to protect yourself from STEC, visit the Government website here.
