Latest news with #Clostridiumbotulinum
Scotsman
8 hours ago
- Health
- Scotsman
What is botulism? The symptoms you need to look out for after warning issued
It can take up to four weeks for the symptoms of botulism to develop 🏥 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... There have been 38 cases of iatrogenic botulism detected in the North East of England. The botulism cases happened after patients underwent cosmetic procedures involving the suspected use of unlicensed Botox-like products. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) are warning people to be aware of the signs and symptoms of botulism. People who have had cosmetic procedures involving botulinum toxin are being warned by the UKHSA to look out for the symptoms of botulism, after a series of cases have been reported. Detected in the North East, they relate to procedures carried out in the East of England and East Midlands. The poisoning occured after suspected use of unlicensed Botox-like products in cosmetic procedures, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad There have been 38 cases of iatrogenic botulism between June 4 and July 14. As yet there are no known links between the newly diagnosed cases and those in the North East. Investigations behind the infections are being carried out, with evidence suggesting they have been caused by the use of an unlicensed product. Professor Meghana Pandit, Co-National Medical Director secondary care at NHS England, said: 'When these procedures go wrong, there is a risk of serious infections and permanent scarring, which is why only registered professionals like a doctor, a nurse or pharmacy prescriber should be prescribing these treatments. 'If you decide to undergo a cosmetic procedure like Botox or lip fillers, there is advice on the NHS website on the questions to ask, including making sure that the person administering it is trained to do it.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A number of cases of botulism have occurred after people had cosmetic procedures involving botulinum toxin. |What is botulism? Botulism is a rare but life-threatening condition that is caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. The NHS explain that these toxins attack the nervous system and cause paralysis. What are the symptoms of botulism? Dr Gauri Godbole, Consultant Medical Microbiologist at UKHSA, explained it can take up to four weeks for the symptoms of botulism to develop. Dr Godbole said: '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.' How do you know if someone is qualified to carry out injections? Botulinum toxin injections are prescription-only medications that can only be prescribed after a consultation with a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or a nurse. The person who prescribes the treatment must make sure that the person giving you the injections is trained and safe to do so. Questions you can ask include: Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad who the prescriber is who'll be giving the actual treatment what training and experience they have what the insurance arrangements are The NHS have outlined more information on what steps you can take when finding a practitioner for a cosmetic procedure. You can also check if those who are offering the cosmetic procedures are on a voluntary register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). You can find out more about cosmetic procedures, what to consider and how to choose a provider at
Scotsman
11 hours ago
- Health
- Scotsman
What is botulism? The symptoms you need to look out for after warning issued
It can take up to four weeks for the symptoms of botulism to develop 🏥 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... There have been 38 cases of iatrogenic botulism detected in the North East of England. The botulism cases happened after patients underwent cosmetic procedures involving the suspected use of unlicensed Botox-like products. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) are warning people to be aware of the signs and symptoms of botulism. People who have had cosmetic procedures involving botulinum toxin are being warned by the UKHSA to look out for the symptoms of botulism, after a series of cases have been reported. Detected in the North East, they relate to procedures carried out in the East of England and East Midlands. The poisoning occured after suspected use of unlicensed Botox-like products in cosmetic procedures, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad There have been 38 cases of iatrogenic botulism between June 4 and July 14. As yet there are no known links between the newly diagnosed cases and those in the North East. Investigations behind the infections are being carried out, with evidence suggesting they have been caused by the use of an unlicensed product. Professor Meghana Pandit, Co-National Medical Director secondary care at NHS England, said: 'When these procedures go wrong, there is a risk of serious infections and permanent scarring, which is why only registered professionals like a doctor, a nurse or pharmacy prescriber should be prescribing these treatments. 'If you decide to undergo a cosmetic procedure like Botox or lip fillers, there is advice on the NHS website on the questions to ask, including making sure that the person administering it is trained to do it.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A number of cases of botulism have occurred after people had cosmetic procedures involving botulinum toxin. |What is botulism? Botulism is a rare but life-threatening condition that is caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. The NHS explain that these toxins attack the nervous system and cause paralysis. What are the symptoms of botulism? Dr Gauri Godbole, Consultant Medical Microbiologist at UKHSA, explained it can take up to four weeks for the symptoms of botulism to develop. Dr Godbole said: '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.' How do you know if someone is qualified to carry out injections? Botulinum toxin injections are prescription-only medications that can only be prescribed after a consultation with a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or a nurse. The person who prescribes the treatment must make sure that the person giving you the injections is trained and safe to do so. Questions you can ask include: Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad who the prescriber is who'll be giving the actual treatment what training and experience they have what the insurance arrangements are The NHS have outlined more information on what steps you can take when finding a practitioner for a cosmetic procedure. You can also check if those who are offering the cosmetic procedures are on a voluntary register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
Scotsman
a day ago
- Health
- Scotsman
What is Botox and the symptoms of botulism after warning issued
It can take up to four weeks for the symptoms of botulism to develop 🏥 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... There have been 38 cases of iatrogenic botulism detected in the North East of England. The botulism cases happened after patients underwent cosmetic procedures involving botulinum toxin. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) are warning people to be aware of the signs and symptoms of botulism. People who have had cosmetic procedures involving botulinum toxin are being warned by the UKHSA to look out for the symptoms of botulism after a series of cases have been reported. Detected in the North East, they relate to procedures carried out in the East of England and East Midlands. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad There have been 38 cases of iatrogenic botulism between June 4 and July 14. As yet there are no known links between the newly diagnosed cases and those in the North East. Investigations behind the infections are being carried out, with evidence suggesting they have been caused by the use of an unlicensed Botox-like product. Professor Meghana Pandit, Co-National Medical Director secondary care at NHS England, said: 'When these procedures go wrong, there is a risk of serious infections and permanent scarring, which is why only registered professionals like a doctor, a nurse or pharmacy prescriber should be prescribing these treatments. 'If you decide to undergo a cosmetic procedure like Botox or lip fillers, there is advice on the NHS website on the questions to ask, including making sure that the person administering it is trained to do it.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A number of cases of botulism have occurred after people had cosmetic procedures involving botulinum toxin. |What is botulism? Botulism is a rare but life-threatening condition that is caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. The NHS explain that these toxins attack the nervous system and cause paralysis. What are the symptoms of botulism? Dr Gauri Godbole, Consultant Medical Microbiologist at UKHSA, explained it can take up to four weeks for the symptoms of botulism to develop. Dr Godbole said: '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.' How do you know if someone is qualified to do Botox? Botox injections are prescription-only medications that can only be prescribed after a consultation with a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or a nurse. The person who prescribes the Botox must make sure that the person giving you the injections is trained and safe to do so. Questions you can ask include: Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad who the prescriber is who'll be giving the actual treatment what training and experience they have what the insurance arrangements are The NHS have outlined more information on what steps you can take when finding a practitioner for a cosmetic procedure. You can also check if those who are offering the cosmetic procedures are on a voluntary register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). You can find out more about cosmetic procedures, what to consider and how to choose a provider at
Scotsman
a day ago
- Health
- Scotsman
What is Botox and the symptoms of botulism after warning issued
It can take up to four weeks for the symptoms of botulism to develop 🏥 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... There have been 38 cases of iatrogenic botulism detected in the North East of England. The botulism cases happened after patients underwent cosmetic procedures involving botulinum toxin. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) are warning people to be aware of the signs and symptoms of botulism. People who have had cosmetic procedures involving botulinum toxin are being warned by the UKHSA to look out for the symptoms of botulism after a series of cases have been reported. Detected in the North East, they relate to procedures carried out in the East of England and East Midlands. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad There have been 38 cases of iatrogenic botulism between June 4 and July 14. As yet there are no known links between the newly diagnosed cases and those in the North East. Investigations behind the infections are being carried out, with evidence suggesting they have been caused by the use of an unlicensed Botox-like product. Professor Meghana Pandit, Co-National Medical Director secondary care at NHS England, said: 'When these procedures go wrong, there is a risk of serious infections and permanent scarring, which is why only registered professionals like a doctor, a nurse or pharmacy prescriber should be prescribing these treatments. 'If you decide to undergo a cosmetic procedure like Botox or lip fillers, there is advice on the NHS website on the questions to ask, including making sure that the person administering it is trained to do it.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A number of cases of botulism have occurred after people had cosmetic procedures involving botulinum toxin. |What is botulism? Botulism is a rare but life-threatening condition that is caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. The NHS explain that these toxins attack the nervous system and cause paralysis. What are the symptoms of botulism? Dr Gauri Godbole, Consultant Medical Microbiologist at UKHSA, explained it can take up to four weeks for the symptoms of botulism to develop. Dr Godbole said: '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.' How do you know if someone is qualified to do Botox? Botox injections are prescription-only medications that can only be prescribed after a consultation with a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or a nurse. The person who prescribes the Botox must make sure that the person giving you the injections is trained and safe to do so. Questions you can ask include: Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad who the prescriber is who'll be giving the actual treatment what training and experience they have what the insurance arrangements are The NHS have outlined more information on what steps you can take when finding a practitioner for a cosmetic procedure. You can also check if those who are offering the cosmetic procedures are on a voluntary register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
Daily Mirror
18-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Urgent botulism symptoms alert issued after 'adverse reactions' reported
The UK Health Security Agency issued a warning on Friday afternoon The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a warning for people to stay vigilant for botulism symptoms after a group experienced "adverse reactions" after cosmetic treatments involving botulinum toxin. Additional cases have surfaced, following those identified in the North East, with recent incidents reported in the East of England and East Midlands, according to the UKHSA. From June 4 to July 14, 2025, there have been 38 reported instances of iatrogenic botulism. No direct connection has been established between the new cases and those from the North East, the UKHSA confirmed. Ongoing investigations hint at the use of an unlicensed Botox alternative. It is understood that the practitioners implicated in these latest events have halted their services and are actively participating in the investigation. Reported reactions include difficulties with swallowing, slurred speech, and severe breathing issues necessitating respiratory aid. In response, the UKHSA has issued advice nationally to healthcare professionals to be on the lookout for botulism signs in patients who've recently undergone cosmetic procedures, ensuring timely administration of the necessary anti-toxin treatment. The agency is also urging the public to exercise caution when opting for aesthetic treatments, emphasising the importance of verifying the licensing status of the products used. Dr Gauri Godbole, a 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 four 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. there is more information on what sensible steps you can take when finding a practitioner on the NHS website." Professor Meghana Pandit, co-national medical director, secondary care, at NHS England, said: "When these procedures go wrong, there is a risk of serious infections and permanent scarring, which is why only registered professionals like a doctor, a nurse or pharmacy prescriber should be prescribing these treatments. "If you decide to undergo a cosmetic procedure like Botox or lip fillers, there is advice on the website on the questions to ask, including making sure that the person administering it is trained to do it." Dr Alison Cave, MHRA chief safety officer, added: "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." Symptoms of botulism double vision difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) With aesthetic treatments gaining popularity on the high street, the UKHSA has suggested that anyone considering such procedures should follow a straightforward checklist to ensure safety. If you suspect that you're experiencing a side effect from a botulinum toxin product, it's crucial to consult with your doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme. This can be done either through or by using the MHRA Yellow Card app, which is available for download on Google Play or the Apple App Store. The MHRA's FakeMeds campaign offers guidance to UK residents contemplating purchasing medication online, detailing how to access products from safe and legitimate sources.
