The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (February 24) investigating a case of probable botulism, and again reminded the public that botulism injections should only be prescribed and performed by registered doctors.

     A female patient, aged 32 with good past health, developed blurred vision, difficulty in swallowing, generalised weakness and drooping eyelids since February 16. She attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Pok Oi Hospital on February 24 and was admitted for treatment on the same day. The clinical diagnosis was suspected iatrogenic botulism. The patient has been in stable condition.

     According to the patient, she received alone injections of botulinum toxins over her bilateral calves at a beauty premises in Lo Wu, Shenzhen on February 13 and the injections were not given by a doctor.

     "The case will be reported to the Mainland healthy authority. We are maintaining close liaison with Mainland health and drug regulatory counterparts to identify if there are similar cases," a spokesman for the DH said.

     "Botulism is a statutorily notifiable infectious disease. Clinicians must report to the CHP in case patients have symptoms or history of suspected botulism," the spokesman 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," he added.

     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/Friday, February 24, 2017
Issued at HKT 20:15

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