Warnings issued after potential botulism cases

A council has warned people of side effects of botulism after people had reactions to procedures

People have been warned of botulism symptoms following adverse reactions to beauty procedures, a council said.

Peterborough City Council has launched an investigation after receiving reports of reactions believed to be linked to private cosmetic treatments.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the NHS have been working with the council to prohibit practitioners linked to cases from carrying out procedures until the investigation was closed.

Dr Raj Lakshman, the director of public health for the council, said: "The impact on people when receiving cosmetic procedures involving botulinum toxin can be very severe and at worst life-threatening."

The authority said the cases were not linked to any beauty or cosmetic salons in the city, but were linked to private practitioners working in their own or client's homes.

An investigation was ongoing, but the council added that the evidence had suggested it was due to the use of unlicensed Botox-like products.

Breathing difficulties

Dr Lakshman said: "We understand that people want to have aesthetic procedures such as Botox injections.

"I urge those doing so to take steps to ensure the service they receive will not risk their health and make them unwell."

Dr James McGowan, a consultant in health protection at UKHSA, added: "Botulism related to aesthetic procedures is rare but we are seeing cases, and they have been serious.

"Symptoms can take up to four weeks to develop - if you have had a recent botulinum toxin (Botox-like) treatment and are having difficulty swallowing or breathing, contact NHS 111 for further advice and seek treatment."

Adverse reactions included difficulty swallowing, blurred or double vision, slurred speech and breathing difficulty requiring respiratory support.

The UKHSA recommends the following precautions when choosing a cosmetic procedure:

• Make sure a practitioner is qualified, is wearing appropriate protective equipment and washes their hands. Practitioners should be happy to discuss their qualifications

• Those seeking a procedure should be offered a consultation beforehand that covers checks for medical conditions

• A consent form outlining the risks should be discussed and signed.