CHP investigates a case of probable botulism
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A female patient, aged 29 with good past health, developed drooping eyelids, blurred vision and generalised weakness since December 12. She attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Kwong Wah Hospital on December 13 and was found to have ptosis on admission on the same day. The clinical diagnosis was suspected iatrogenic botulism. The patient has been in stable condition and discharged against medical advice today.
According to the patient, she attended a beauty premises alone near Yau Ma Tei and received multiple injections of suspected to be botulinum toxins over her face on November 8 and December 6 respectively. According to the patient, the injections were not given by a doctor. She could not recall the name and address of the beauty premises.
Epidemiological investigations are ongoing.
"Botulism is a statutorily notifiable infectious disease. Clinicians must report to the CHP in case patients have symptoms or history of suspected botulism," a spokesman for the DH said.
"Due to the weakening of associated muscles, patients receiving the injection may have problems with chewing or even swallowing, speaking or breathing, which may happen in hours, days or weeks. Botulinum toxin may spread and affect other areas beyond the injection site, resulting in hoarseness, drooping of the eyelids, double vision or blurred vision," the spokesman said.
The DH urged the public to observe health advice below before receiving botulinum toxin injections:
• Injections should only be performed by locally registered doctors;
• Understand the procedure, potential risks and complications before receiving injections. Consult a doctor for an informed decision;
• Do not receive an injection in case of history of allergy to botulinum toxin, or infection or inflammation on the injection site;
• Request the full name of the doctor in writing if referred by a beauty service provider for the procedure, as well as the professional qualifications and relevant experience; and
• If symptoms develop, such as fever or feeling unwell, seek medical attention immediately.
The public may visit these pages for more information: the differentiation between medical procedures and beauty services, the Drug Database of the Drug Office, and the CHP's botulism page.
Ends/Wednesday, December 14, 2016
Issued at HKT 20:20
Issued at HKT 20:20
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