U.S. health officials issued a warning on Tuesday regarding counterfeit Botox injections that have resulted in 22 illnesses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), half of these individuals have been hospitalized. The CDC has alerted doctors about this issue.
The cases, which began in early November, have been reported in 11 states. The CDC noted that the injections were administered by unlicensed or untrained individuals in non-medical settings such as homes or spas. Most of the affected individuals received botulinum toxin injections for cosmetic purposes.
Six people have been treated for suspected botulism, a potentially deadly disease caused by botulinum toxin entering the bloodstream. Symptoms of botulism include double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, and difficulty breathing.
Health officials urge people to receive injections only from licensed professionals and to report any suspected counterfeit products.