Health Authorities Investigate Botulism Case Linked to Unsafe Toxin Injections in Shenzhen Beauty Clinic

CHP investigates probable case of botulism

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (July 4) is investigating a probable case of botulism involving a patient who received injections of botulinum toxin on the Mainland. The CHP reminded the public that they should only receive botulinum toxin injections as prescribed and performed by registered doctors after clinical assessment.

The case involves a 32-year-old female patient. According to the patient, she received injections purporting to be botulinum toxin on the Mainland on July 1. As she presented with weakness of the shoulders and neck, difficulties in swallowing and breathing on the same day, she attended Queen Elizabeth Hospitaland was admitted for treatment. She was clinically suspected to have botulism caused by excessive botulinum toxin injection. She is in stable condition.

The patient reported that she received the injections at a beauty clinic in Shenzhen and that the person who performed the injections claimed to be a doctor. The CHP has reported the case to the Mainland authority.Epidemiological investigations are still ongoing.

In Hong Kong, botulinum toxin injections should only be performed by a locally registered doctor. Customers should verify the doctor's full name against thelist of registered doctorsof the Medical Council of Hong Kong as well as their professional qualifications and relevant experience. When receiving injections outside Hong Kong, pay special attention to ensure the provider is qualified or registered with relevant jurisdictions for practice. Injections offered from suspicious sources may contain contaminants or varied dosages and their quality and efficacy are not guaranteed. One should refrain from receiving them. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice from eligible medical professionals as soon as possible.

Due to the weakening of associated muscles and the fact that botulinum toxin may spread and affect other areas beyond the injection site, affected patients may experience drooping eyelids, double or blurred vision, problems with chewing, hoarseness, or even difficulties in swallowing, speaking or breathing, which may happen hours, days or weeks after the injection.

The CHP urged the public to observe the following health advice before receiving botulinum toxin injections:

Injections in Hong Kong should only be performed by locally registered doctors;

Understand the procedure, potential risks and possible complications before receiving injections. Consult a doctor for an informed decision;

Do not receive injections from suspicious sources;

Do not receive an injection in the case of a history of allergy to botulinum toxin, or if there is an infection or inflammation on the injection site;

Request the full name of the doctor in writing if referred by a beauty service provider for the procedure, as well as the professional qualifications and relevant experience; and

If symptoms develop after injections, such as muscle weakness or feeling unwell, seek medical attention immediately.

The public may visit the DH's webpage on thedifferentiation between medical procedures and beauty services, theDrug Databaseof the Drug Office and the CHP'sbotulism pagefor more information.​

Fatal traffic accident in Kwai Chung

Police are investigating a fatal traffic accident happened in Kwai Chung yesterday (June 1), in which a man died.

Police received a report at 2.50pm yesterday that a bus driven by a 60-year-old man was travelling along Tung Chi Street, turning right towards Shek Yam Road. When approaching 116 Shek Yam Road, it reportedly knocked down the 60-year-old man who was riding a bicycle.

The 60-year-old male cyclist was trapped under the bus and rescued by firemen. Sustaining multiple injuries, he was rushed to Yan Chai Hospital in unconscious state and later transferred to Princess Margaret Hospital. He was certified dead at 6.08pm on the same day.

The bus driver was arrested for dangerous driving causing death and is being detained for enquiries.

Investigation by the Special Investigation Team 1 of Traffic, New Territories South is under way.

Anyone who witnessed the accident or has any information to offer is urged to contact the investigating officers. The contact number is 3661 1346.

Source: AI-found images