Botulism

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As cases of botulism-like illnesses continue to rise, the CDC has issued a Health Alert Network Health Advisory to warn clinicians about risks associated with counterfeit or mishandled botulinum toxin injections.

The CDC, state and local health departments, and the FDA are investigating 19 reports of “harmful reactions” following counterfeit or mishandled botulinum toxin injections, the CDC announced in an investigation summary.

Cosmetic dermatologist Karan Lal, DO, MS, FAAD, offered advice to providers on how they can protect themselves and their patients from the dangers of counterfeit Botox.

The American Academy of Dermatology Association and American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association have released official statements in response to reports of patients being hospitalized for botulism from counterfeit Botox injections.

An advocacy organization has petitioned the FDA to promptly highlight and clarify the risk for botulism on seven approved Botox and related drugs, according to a press release.

For the first time, the CDC has published clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of botulism.

Botulism is a rare, life-threatening toxemia caused by the toxin of Clostridium botulinum and rarely Clostridium butyricum and Clostridium baratii. Botulinum toxin is listed as a Class A biological weapon and is toxic when ingested or inhaled. The CDC lists five types of botulism: foodborne, wound, infant and iatrogenic botulism and the very rare disease called infant-type botulism in adults (adult intestinal botulism).