Warning Issued by Illinois Department of Public Health After Patients Hospitalized with Botulism-like Symptoms Following Cosmetic Treatments
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has issued a warning following the hospitalization of two individuals with symptoms similar to botulism after receiving cosmetic treatments. The patients had received injections of Botox or a similar counterfeit product from a licensed nurse in LaSalle County. However, the nurse was performing these treatments outside of her authorized scope of practice, as stated in a news release by the IDPH.
The symptoms reported by the patients resemble those of botulism, including blurred or double vision, droopy face, fatigue, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and hoarse voice. Similar cases have also been reported by the Tennessee Department of Health. The IDPH is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the ongoing investigation.
Exercise Caution and Choose Licensed Professionals
The IDPH Director, Dr. Sameer Vohra, emphasized the importance of exercising caution when considering cosmetic treatments. Dr. Vohra stated, “Receiving these treatments in unlicensed, unapproved settings can put you or your loved ones at serious risk for health problems. Please only seek cosmetic services under the care of licensed professionals trained to do these procedures and who use FDA approved products. If you experience any health problems after a recent cosmetic treatment, please contact your healthcare provider immediately for help and assistance.”
About Botox and Its Potential Harm
Botulinum toxin, a neurotoxin and one of the most poisonous biological substances known according to the National Institutes of Health, is the key ingredient in Botox. In small doses, it can be used effectively to treat certain medical conditions and has gained popularity as a cosmetic procedure for reducing wrinkles on the face. Botox injections work by weakening or paralyzing certain muscles or by blocking certain nerves.
In Illinois, the injection of botulinum toxin should only be performed by specific licensed professionals. Consumers can verify if a professional is licensed by using the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation’s license lookup tool.
