CHICAGO — The CDC’s investigation into people who were hospitalized with a botulism-like illness after receiving cosmetic injections — commonly known as “botox” — given in non-medical settings has been expanded.
The agency initially investigated cases only in Illinois and Tennessee, but recently expanded its investigation after receiving reports of 19 people in nine states who had reactions.
The CDC said nine people have been hospitalized and four have been treated with botulism antitoxin because their symptoms were “consistent with possible toxin spread.”
No deaths have been reported so far.
“Cosmetic injections must be an FDA-approved product, administered by licensed providers and in licensed facilities,” the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a statement. “The sources of these botulinum toxin products are unknown or unverified at this time.”
An ongoing investigation involving the CDC, the US Food and Drug Administration and several states “indicates that the product administered was counterfeit,” the Tennessee Department of Health said in a news release Friday.
The CDC said many were also administered in non-healthcare settings, such as spas or homes, or by unlicensed or untrained people.
Botulism is a rare but serious disease caused by toxins released by bacteria that attack the nervous system. Symptoms may include blurred or double vision, droopy eyelids, difficulty breathing, fatigue, slurred speech, or a hoarse voice. Muscle paralysis can progress from hours to days if left untreated and can be fatal.
The bacterium Clostridium botulinum is an ingredient in Botox and similar cosmetics, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. The purified form of botulism toxin has been approved by the FDA for use by licensed health care providers as a cosmetic treatment, they said in a press release issued Monday.
Laboratory-confirmed cases of systemic botulism after cosmetic or therapeutic botulinum toxin injections are rare, the CDC said.
However, Both patients in Illinois received injections from a nurse in LaSalle County who was licensed but was “performing work outside of her remit.” Tennessee also raised concerns about injections “administered in non-medical settings such as homes or cosmetic spas.”
“Illinois residents should be cautious when considering cosmetic treatments,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra in a statement. “Receiving these treatments in unlicensed, unapproved settings can put you or your loved ones at serious risk for health problems. Seek cosmetic services only under the care of licensed professionals who are trained to do these procedures and use products approved by the FDA. If you experience any health problems after a recent cosmetic treatment, contact your healthcare provider immediately for help and assistance.”
CNN also contacted the FDA, but the agency does not comment on investigations.
ABC7 Chicago contributed to this report
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