The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health said today (27 December) that a 21-year-old female patient who was in good health had developed dizziness, drooping eyes, weakness in limbs and difficulty breathing since 9 September, and yesterday (22th) she went to the emergency department of Tin Shui Wai Hospital for treatment due to aggravated dizziness and dysphagia, and was referred to Pok Oi Hospital, where her condition was stable after admission. Clinical diagnosis of iatrogenic botulism is suspected.

According to the information provided by her, she received botulinum toxin injection in her lower leg at a flat in a public housing estate in Tai Po on 9 September, which is suspected not to have been injected by a doctor. The Department is continuing its investigation.

The 21-year-old female patient went to the emergency department of Tin Shui Wai Hospital yesterday (26th) for treatment, and the clinical diagnosis was suspected of iatrogenic botulism. (Profile picture)

Botulinum toxin is not injected into the calf by a doctor

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a suspected botulism case following local botulinum toxin injection, involving a 21-year-old female patient who was in good health and developed dizziness, droopy eyes, weakness in limbs and difficulty breathing since 9 September, until yesterday due to worsening dizziness and dysphagia, she sought treatment in the emergency department of Tin Shui Wai Hospital and was subsequently referred to Pok Oi Hospital for clinical diagnosis of suspected iatrogenic botulism.

According to the information provided by the patient, she received botulinum toxin injection in her lower leg at a flat in a public housing estate in Tai Po on 9 September, which is suspected not to have been injected by a doctor, and the Department is continuing its investigation.

Department of Health: Toxins can spread beyond the injection site

According to the DH, the muscles associated with botulism will be affected, and botulinum toxin may spread, affecting areas other than the injection site, so patients may have droopy eyelids, double images or blurred vision, difficulty chewing, hoarse voice, and even problems with swallowing, speaking or breathing. These symptoms may appear hours, days, or weeks after the injection.

The DH urges that botulinum toxin injections should only be prescribed and administered by registered medical practitioners, and consumers should know the full names of doctors, consult the list of registered doctors of the Medical Council of Hong Kong, and enquire about their professional qualifications and relevant qualifications.

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