The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM) have issued urgent warnings following a serious outbreak of iatrogenic botulism in England.
🧪 Between 4 June and 14 July 2025,
38 confirmed cases of botulism were reported following cosmetic injections using unlicensed botulinum toxin, mostly sourced from South Korea.
⚠️ The injections were often performed by non-medical individuals in non-clinical settings such as private homes.
Patients, most of them women aged 25–82, experienced:
• Drooping eyelids
• Blurred vision
• Difficulty swallowing
• Muscle weakness
• 6 patients required ICU admission and respiratory support
Symptoms developed between 0–11 days after injection—almost half within 3 days.
💉 This is a wake-up call.
If unqualified, non-medical individuals in South Africa continue to inject illegally imported, unregulated toxins, it is only a matter of time before we see this happen here.
🌍 AAMSSA strongly urges:
✅ Only receive injectables from registered medical professionals
✅ Confirm use of licensed, SAHPRA-approved botulinum toxin
✅ Avoid treatments performed in homes or non-clinical environments
✅ Report any adverse reactions or illegal practices
This is about more than beauty—it’s about your safety, your health, and your life.