Illinois Health Officials Issue Warning After Counterfeit Botox Injections Lead to Hospitalizations

Two individuals in Illinois have been hospitalized with symptoms resembling botulism after receiving injections believed to be counterfeit Botox.

The Illinois Department of Public Health alerted healthcare facilities following two hospitalizations linked to botulism-like symptoms after Botox injections.
Patients received injections from a licensed nurse in LaSalle County who was reportedly working beyond her authority.
Health officials warn residents to only seek cosmetic treatments from licensed professionals using FDA-approved products.
Similar cases of botulism symptoms following Botox injections have been reported in Tennessee, though a direct connection to the Illinois cases has not been confirmed.
The botulinum toxin, used in Botox, can relax facial muscles but poses serious risks if administered improperly or with counterfeit products.