CHP investigates probable case of botulism
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (September 21) is investigating a probable case of botulism following botulinum toxin injections. The CHP urges the public to only receive botulinum toxin that has been prescribed and administered by a registered doctor following a clinical assessment.
The case involves a 35-year-old female patient. According to information provided by the patient, she visited a residential flat on Middle Road in Tsim Sha Tsui on September 17. On-site personnel administered injections of a substance claimed to be botulinum toxin into her face (including bilateral foreheads, glabella and submental areas). The patient believed that the person who administered the injections was a registered doctor but she could not confirm the name and qualifications of the person who performed the injections. On September 18, she attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Elizabeth Hospital due to drooping eyelids, breathing difficulty and weakness in four limbs, etc. She was admitted for treatment and is now in stable condition. She is clinically suspected to have botulism caused by a botulinum toxin injection.
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 the list of registered doctors of the Medical Council of Hong Kong as well as their professional qualifications and relevant experience. Injections offered by 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 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 difficulty 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 the differentiation between medical procedures and beauty services, the Drug Database of the Drug Office and the CHP's botulism page for more information.
Source: AI-found images
