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Nineteen people from nine states reported adverse reactions after receiving cosmetic injections — commonly Botox — from unlicensed or untrained individuals or in nonmedical settings, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. he said. Monday. Some people have been injected with a counterfeit or mishandled product.
The agency said nine people were hospitalized and four were treated with botulism antitoxin due to concerns the botulinum toxin could spread beyond the injection site.
The production response occurred in Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee and Washington.
The CDC said all 19 people identified as women and were between the ages of 25 and 59. All but one said they received the injection for cosmetic purposes.
The agency is working with several state and local health departments and the US Food and Drug Administration to investigate the reports.
The CDC recommends asking providers, such as clinics or spas, whether they are licensed and trained to administer the injection. He also recommends asking if the product is FDA approved and from a reliable source. If in doubt, the agency advises not to take the injection.
Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by toxins released by bacteria that attack the nervous system. Symptoms include blurred or double vision, droopy eyelids, trouble breathing, fatigue, slurred speech, or hoarseness. If left untreated, muscle paralysis can last from hours to days and can be fatal.
Clostridium botulinum bacteria is an ingredient found in Botox and similar cosmetic products, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. The purified form of botulinum toxin is approved for use by FDA-licensed health care providers for cosmetic treatment. News release Published last week.
's Deid McPhillips contributed to this story.