Overview

• The UKHSA has reported 41 cases of iatrogenic botulism between June 4 and August 6 across five regions including the North East, East Midlands, East of England, North West and Yorkshire and Humber.
• Affected patients have experienced severe neurological symptoms including difficulty swallowing, slurred speech, drooping eyelids, double vision and breathing problems requiring respiratory support.
• Investigations point to an unlicensed, counterfeit Botox-like product distributed through illicit channels as the likely source of the outbreak.
• UKHSA has issued a nationwide alert urging healthcare professionals to be vigilant for botulism signs in recent cosmetic patients and to administer antitoxin promptly.
• The public has been advised to confirm that cosmetic treatments use MHRA-licensed botulinum toxin products and to refrain from purchasing injections online for self-administration.