Read More
Hong Kong health authorities are investigating two probable cases of botulism linked to unauthorized botulinum toxin injections administered in mainland China, with one patient currently in critical condition.
ADVERTISEMENT
SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) confirmed on Wednesday that both women, aged 49 and 50, developed severe symptoms after receiving cosmetic injections in Shenzhen during mid-May.
The patients, who are friends, reportedly received the treatments from an unqualified individual in private premises.
The 49-year-old patient began experiencing generalized weakness, blurred vision, and breathing difficulties on May 24. After seeking treatment at a Shenzhen hospital on May 26, she returned to Hong Kong and was admitted to North District Hospital on May 28, where she remains in intensive care in critical condition.
The second patient, a 50-year-old woman, developed muscle weakness, drooping eyelids, and swallowing difficulties on May 27. She was hospitalized at United Christian Hospital on June 3 and is now in stable condition.
Preliminary clinical assessments suggest both cases were caused by improperly administered botulinum toxin injections. The CHP emphasized that such procedures should only be performed by registered medical professionals after proper clinical evaluation.
"Botulinum toxin injections in Hong Kong must be conducted by locally registered doctors," a CHP spokesman stated.
"We urge the public to verify practitioners' credentials through the Medical Council of Hong Kong and exercise extreme caution when considering such treatments abroad."
Authorities are continuing epidemiological investigations into the incident. The CHP warned against receiving injections from unverified sources and advised anyone experiencing adverse effects to seek immediate medical attention.
