By I. Edwards HealthDay Reporter<\/b>
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TUESDAY, June 24, 2025 (HealthDay News) \u2014 Dozens of people in northeastern England have developed a rare and dangerous illness after receiving Botox injections, according to health officials in the U.K.<\/p>\n
At least 28 people have reported symptoms of botulism, a potentially deadly illness that attacks the nervous system, after undergoing cosmetic procedures, the U.K. Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said on June 20, CNN <\/em>reported.<\/p>\n Investigators at the agency said that \u201cevidence so far does not suggest that the product used has been contaminated. Symptoms are being reported a few days up to four weeks after injection.\u201d<\/p>\n The type of botulism in the recent cases is called iatrogenic botulism, and it can result when too much Botox is injected.<\/p>\n The agency is also investigating possible illegal sales of Botox-like products.<\/p>\n Botulism is caused by toxins made by Clostridium botulinum<\/em> bacteria, which can lead to muscle weakness and even paralysis.<\/p>\n \u201cThese toxins (but not the bacteria) are the active ingredient in Botox and similar products,\u201d Dr. Joanne Darke, a health protection consultant at UKHSA, told CNN.<\/em> It’s “important to go to a licensed practitioner.\u201d<\/p>\n People affected have experienced droopy eyelids, double vision, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing and fatigue, CNN <\/em>reported.<\/p>\n Botulism is rare but can be fatal in 5% to 10% of cases, according to the U.K.\u2019s National Health Service (NHS). If left untreated, it can spread to the muscles that control breathing.<\/p>\n Most people recover with fast treatment, which usually includes antitoxin injections.<\/p>\n \u201cThe practitioners associated with most of the reported cases are no longer carrying out these procedures,\u201d Simon Howard<\/a>, a consultant in health protection at the UKHSA, said.<\/p>\n More cases may yet occur, because symptoms can take up four weeks to develop, he said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are now seeing the number of cases coming forward decreasing which is encouraging news,\u201d Howard added.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, the U.K.\u2019s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said it\u2019s looking into reports of illegal Botox sales in the North-East region.<\/p>\n \u201cBotulinum toxin (Botox) is a prescription-only medicine and should only be available in the U.K. under the supervision of a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional,\u201d Dr. Alison Cave<\/a>, the agency\u2019s chief safety officer, said.<\/p>\n She added that the agency\u2019s criminal enforcement team is working to identify and prosecute those involved in illegal activity.<\/p>\n Anyone in the U.K. who has side effects from medication or suspects they received fake products is encouraged to report it through the agency\u2019s Yellow Card program, CNN <\/em>said.<\/p>\n Earlier this month, 10 suspected cases of iatrogenic botulism were also reported in Massachusetts, all linked to one spa giving cosmetic injections.<\/p>\n More information<\/strong><\/p>\n The Mayo Clinic has more on botulism<\/a>.<\/p>\n