At least 19 women have reportedly fallen ill in nine states after they got botox injections in “non-healthcare settings” from those who were never licensed or trained to give them, the CDC shared Monday.
The CDC reported that nine of the 19 who became sick were hospitalized, including four who “were treated with botulism antitoxin because of concerns that the botulinum toxin could have spread beyond the injection site.”
Botox, which uses a purified form of neurotoxin called botulinum toxin, prevents muscles from moving for a period of time and is often used to prevent or ease facial wrinkles. When it is injected properly, the toxin is considered to be safe.
However, if the toxin is found in food, it can lead to paralysis and even death, the CDC shared. It also notes that too much in the wrong places could be damaging.
So far, no deaths have been reported to have occurred because of the botched botox injections.
The CDC said that cases were detected in Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, and Washington.
An investigation was launched by the CDC into the cases to better understand what caused them. Right now, the agency said that it could be a result of fake products, contamination, or poor hygiene practices.
The Food and Drug Administration has also said it is involved in the investigation.
Among the reactions that a person could have to botulinum toxin injections are blurry or double vision, drooping eyelids, difficulty swallowing or breathing, slurred speech, fatigue and weakness, and dry mouth.