April 25, 2024

U.S. CDC: Adverse Effects Linked to Counterfeit or Mishandled Botulinum Toxin Injections

Please take a moment to review this information on adverse effects linked to counterfeit or mishandled botulism toxin injections in the U.S.

U.S. CDC is reporting an increase of adverse effects associated with botulism toxin injections between the dates of November 4, 2023, to March 31, 2024. Most reported cases received botulinum toxin injections for cosmetic purposes. Currently, states reporting cases include California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York City, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington.

Botulism is immediately reportable to the Maine CDC upon recognition or strong suspicion of disease. To contact Maine CDC, please call the 24/7 disease reporting number at 800-821-5821.

Do not delay reporting a suspected case. There is no stockpile of antitoxin at the state level. The Maine CDC will need to contact the U.S. CDC clinical botulism service for consultation, laboratory testing instructions, and antitoxin release. If public health clinical consultation supports botulism, treatment should begin as soon as antitoxin is available. It is not necessary to wait for laboratory confirmation to begin treatment, however, laboratory specimens should be obtained prior to the administration of antitoxin.

Advisory (PDF)