Safety Report: Alert of a cluster of Illnesses resembling Botulism from possibly Counterfeit Botox, LaSalle County, IL, USA

Illinois, United States

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has issued an alert regarding a potential botulism outbreak linked to possibly counterfeit Botox injections. The alert follows the hospitalization of two individuals in LaSalle County who exhibited symptoms similar to botulism after receiving the injections. The issue came to light after the patients presented with symptoms resembling botulism. The IDPH, in collaboration with the LaSalle County Health Department and the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation (IDFPR), is currently investigating the matter. A similar cluster of cases was also reported by the Tennessee Department of Health, prompting the IDPH to liaise with the CDC and FDA for further investigation.

The product in question is either Botox or a possibly counterfeit version of the product, and it was administered by a licensed nurse in LaSalle County who was performing work outside her authority. The two affected individuals reported symptoms such as blurred/double vision, droopy face, fatigue, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and hoarse voice following the injection. Both required hospitalization post-treatment.

People are advised not to use these botox injections. In Illinois, the injection of botulinum toxin, the key ingredient in Botox, is a practice of medicine that may only be performed by certain licensed professionals who are licensed and regulated by IDFPR. Cosmetologists and estheticians are prohibited from performing this practice under their licenses.

Botulism is a serious illness caused by a toxin produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacteria. This toxin is one of the most potent neurotoxins known and can cause muscle paralysis. The disease can manifest in three forms: foodborne botulism, wound botulism, and infant botulism. Foodborne botulism, which is the focus here, occurs when food contaminated with the bacteria is consumed. Symptoms can include difficulty swallowing or speaking, facial weakness, and paralysis. In severe cases, it can be fatal, particularly if it affects the respiratory muscles.

If you or a loved one are harmed or experiencing any symptoms, it is important to report it. Reporting can help to detect & resolve outbreaks early and prevent others from being harmed, and enables better surveillance. If symptoms persist, seek medical care.

Source: dph.illinois.gov/resource-center/news/2024/april/2024-04-08---idph-alerts-healthcare-providers-to-cluster-of-illn.html