Peterborough City Council, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the local NHS are warning people to be aware of the signs and symptoms of botulism after a small number of people recently attended Peterborough City Hospital after experiencing adverse reactions from receiving cosmetic procedures involving botulinum toxin.
These cases are not linked to any beauty or cosmetic salons in the city and are linked to private practitioners working in their own home or in the homes of clients.
Investigations are ongoing but evidence so far suggests the use of unlicensed Botox-like products. The council is working with partners to prohibit practitioners linked to cases of botulism from carrying out further treatments until the investigation is closed.
Adverse reactions have included:
- difficulty swallowing
- blurred or double vision
- slurred speech
- breathing difficulty requiring respiratory support
People are advised to take precautions when considering aesthetic procedures, including checking if the product being used has been prescribed and is a licensed product. On the NHS website there is more information on what sensible steps you can take when finding a practitioner:
NHS website - advice on choosing who will do your cosmetic procedure.
Dr Raj Lakshman, Director of Public Health for Peterborough City Council, said: “We understand that people want to have aesthetic procedures such as Botox injections, but I urge those doing so to take steps to ensure the service they receive will not risk their health and make them unwell. This includes checking the person is qualified and their experience in administering such products, booking a consultation prior to undertaking any procedures, and asking questions about the products to be used.
“The impact on people when receiving cosmetic procedures involving botulinum toxin can be very severe and at worst life-threatening.”
Dr James McGowan, Consultant in Health Protection, UK Health Security Agency, East said: “Botulism related to aesthetic procedures is rare but we are seeing cases and they have been serious. Symptoms can take up to 4 weeks to develop - if you have had a recent botulinum toxin (Botox-like) treatment and are having difficulty swallowing or breathing, contact NHS 111 for further advice and seek treatment.”
Councillor Shabina Qayyum, Cabinet Member for Adults and Health for Peterborough City Council, said: “The aesthetics industry is growing rapidly and remains largely unregulated, which is why the Government is looking into new regulations to protect the public. With my own clinical background, I am concerned at the number of unregulated practitioners providing such treatments and putting people’s lives at risk.
"There have been numerous cases nationally of people's lives being put at risk by inadequately trained operators in the cosmetic sector and this cannot be allowed to continue.
"I urge anyone considering cosmetic procedures such as Botox injections to visit the NHS website and follow the advice to ensure that the practitioner or salon they are using is reputable.”