The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently investigating cases of Botox-related illnesses in Tennessee and Illinois. Health officials in Tennessee have reported four cases of botulism-like illnesses, with two patients hospitalized. Similarly, in Illinois, two people were hospitalized after receiving injections of either Botox or a possibly counterfeit version from a licensed nurse in LaSalle County.
Botulism is a serious illness caused when a toxin attacks the body’s nerves, leading to muscle weakness in the face, mouth, and throat. Symptoms can include blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, and difficulty swallowing. The purified form of the bacteria that causes botulism is used in FDA-approved Botox injections for cosmetic purposes.
Health officials are warning the public to only seek cosmetic services from licensed professionals using FDA-approved products to avoid risks of counterfeit injections. In the cases under investigation, it is believed that the patients received injections of a counterfeit product which led to their hospitalization.
The nurse in Illinois who administered the injections outside of her authority put her patients at serious health risks. It is important for anyone experiencing health problems after a cosmetic treatment to contact their healthcare provider immediately for help and assistance.
As the investigation continues, healthcare providers and consumers are reminded to be cautious when seeking cosmetic treatments and to ensure that they are receiving authentic and FDA-approved products from licensed professionals. Stay tuned to Poh Diaries for further updates on this developing story.
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