Hong Kong woman infected with botulism after botox injections in mainland

Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection is investigating a case of potential botulism after a woman received injections of botulinum toxin in the mainland.

The center said the case involves a female patient aged 38 with a history of good health. She received injections purporting to be botulinum toxin in the mainland on January 12. 

She presented with symptoms including shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness and exhaustion the following day (Jan 13). She attended North District Hospital and was admitted on January 17. She subsequently developed swallowing difficulties and weakness in the limbs.

She is currently in a stable condition since having treatment and is clinically suspected to have botulism caused by botulinum toxin injection, according to the center.

The center noted that the patient was unable to confirm the professional qualifications of the person who performed the injections, with the case reported to the relevant mainland authorities.