Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
CHP investigates two probable cases of botulism
The second case involves a 50-year-old female patient. She presented with generalised weakness, bilateral ptosis and swallowing difficulty since May 27. She was admitted to United Christian Hospital on June 3 and is now in stable condition.
Both patients were clinically suspected to have botulism caused by botulinum toxin injection.
The preliminary investigation revealed that the two patients are friends. They claimed to have received injections of botulinum toxin for cosmetic purposes in private premises in Shenzhen around mid-May. They believed that the person who performed the injections was not a healthcare professional. Epidemiological investigations are still ongoing.
In Hong Kong, botulinum toxin injections should only be performed by a locally registered doctor. Customers should verify the doctor’s full name against the list of registered doctors
Due to the weakening of the associated muscles and the fact that botulinum toxin may spread and affect other areas beyond the injection site, affected patients may have drooping eyelids, double or blurred vision, problems with chewing, hoarseness, or even difficulties in swallowing, speaking or breathing, which may happen hours, days or weeks after the injection.
The CHP urged the public to observe the following health advice before receiving botulinum toxin injections:
The public may visit the DH’s webpage on the differentiation between medical procedures and beauty servicesIssued at HKT 18:55
NNNN