In a follow-up to previous reports of Hong Kong travelers to the Mainland contracting iatrogenic botulism, officials with the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) reported a third case Thursday.
The female patient, aged 21 with good past health, has developed blurred vision, neck weakness and difficulty in swallowing since May 26. She attended the Accident and Emergency Department of North District Hospital today and was admitted for management with stable condition all along.
The patient visited a beauty premises in Buji, Shenzhen, on May 24 where she received botulinum toxin injections to her both calves. The preliminary clinical diagnosis was suspected iatrogenic botulism.
“We have no evidence at this stage that patients of the three recent cases had received injections in the same premises. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing,” a spokesman for the Department of Health said.
“We are very concerned about recent cases and reports of consultations following botulinum toxin injections in the Mainland. We are maintaining close liaison with the Hong Kong Poison Information Centre of the Hospital Authority, relevant medical professionals, and Mainland health and drug regulatory counterparts to identify if there are similar cases,” 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. These problems 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.
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