Three New Yorkers were hospitalized with a dangerous infection after beauty injections

Botox injections linked to a nationwide outbreak. According to NBC New York, patients experienced severe symptoms including double vision, shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, and more.

The New York City Department of Health said three people went to emergency rooms after receiving botulinum toxin (aka Botox) injections. Officials are still trying to determine the source of the counterfeit injections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said most of these shots were given in “non-medical” settings, such as at home or in spas.

Botox injections are made with the same toxin that causes botulism. This toxin attacks the body's nerve cells and can cause paralysis, especially in the facial muscles around the eyes, face and mouth.

Victims of beauty

At least 22 people in 11 states experienced bad reactions after taking counterfeit drugs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nine of them were hospitalized, and four were treated with botulism antitoxin. No deaths were reported.

The New York City Department of Health said three people went to emergency rooms after receiving botulinum toxin injections in the face, neck, upper back or armpits. In the days or weeks after the shots, all three developed a range of symptoms, from double vision and drooping eyelids to difficulty swallowing, breathing and lifting their arms. Two were hospitalized and one had to be admitted to the intensive care unit.

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“New Yorkers should not receive injections from friends or at parties,” said New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “If a provider does not explain the risks and side effects of a procedure, these are clear signs that the products or services do not comply with the law and may pose a risk to your health.”

All cases are under investigation. In at least one of them, in New York, the fake Botox procedure was performed by an unlicensed person.