The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (March 17) is investigating a probable case of botulism involving a patient who received injections of botulinum toxin in Seoul, Korea. The CHP reminded the public that they should only receive botulinum toxin injections as prescribed and performed by registered doctors after clinical assessment.
     
     The case involves a 25-year-old female patient. According to the patient, she received injections purporting to be botulinum toxin for cosmetic purposes at a beauty establishment in Seoul on February 27, but could not confirm whether the person who performed the injections had the relevant qualification. She then returned to Hong Kong and presented with progressive dysphagia from March 9. As symptoms persisted, she attended Queen Elizabeth Hospital yesterday (March 16) and was admitted for treatment. She is now in stable condition. She was clinically suspected to have botulism caused by a botulinum toxin injection. The CHP has reported the case to the health authority of Korea. 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 of the Medical Council of Hong Kong as well as their professional qualifications and relevant experience. When receiving injections outside Hong Kong, pay special attention to ensure the provider is qualified or registered with the relevant jurisdictions for practice. Injections offered by suspicious sources may contain contaminants or varied dosages, and their quality and efficacy are not guaranteed. One should refrain from receiving them. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice from eligible medical professionals as soon as possible.
 
     Due to weakening of associated muscles and the fact that botulinum toxin may spread and affect other areas beyond the injection site, affected patients may experience drooping eyelids, double or blurred vision, problems with chewing, hoarseness, or even difficulty 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:
 

• Injections in Hong Kong should only be performed by locally registered doctors;
• Understand the procedure, potential risks and possible complications before receiving injections. Consult a doctor for an informed decision;
• Do not receive injections from suspicious sources;
• Do not receive an injection in the case of a history of allergy to botulinum toxin, or if there is an 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 after injections, such as muscle weakness or feeling unwell, seek medical attention immediately.

 
     The public may visit the DH's webpage on the differentiation between medical procedures and beauty services, the Drug Database of the Drug Office and the CHP's botulism page for more information.

Ends/Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Issued at HKT 19:43

NNNN