United States: Botulism-like illness has been commonly seen across the US. Recently, a similar concern was shared by the Tennessee Department of Health after a case associated with botulism-like illness was reported.
As per the details shared by the Health Department, the case has been reported after receiving botulinum toxin injections for cosmetic purposes, as per the reports by wsmv.com.
It has been further revealed that the matter has been investigated jointly by US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other states. The investigation has started after cases linked to use counterfeit products or products with unclear origin has been administered in non-medical settings, including homes or cosmetic spas.
While sharing the concerns regarding the same, TDH mentioned, “TDH recently identified four patients who experienced botulism-like signs and symptoms. All persons reported receiving botulinum toxin injections for cosmetic purposes. All four patients were seen by a healthcare provider and two were hospitalized,” as reported by wsmv.com.
Other US States Reported Similar Cases!
Various reports have mentioned that various US states have registered similar cases and the recent investigation have outlined that the product administered was counterfeit.
While addressing the same, the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) mentioned, “Classic botulism is a rare, potentially fatal illness caused by a nerve toxin that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum or related species. Initial botulism symptoms might include double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, and difficulty breathing. These symptoms are typically followed by descending, symmetric muscle weakness that progresses over hours to days requiring hospitalization and specialized treatment with anti-toxin,” as reported by wsmv.com.
In addition to this, as a precautionary measures the health department has asked the public to get cosmetic injections – which are FDA-approved product and is administrated by licensed providers and in licensed settings.
In this matter, TDH was quoted saying, “TDH recommends that healthcare providers ask about recent cosmetic procedures in patients experiencing botulism-like illness. Suspected botulism illnesses should be reported immediately to TDH at 615-741-7247.”