LDH urges residents to avoid botox injections from unlicensed sources and non

The Louisiana Department of Public Health (LDH) is reminding the public to take precautions before receiving injections of botulinum toxin, commonly referred to as botox, and to avoid receiving injections from unlicensed sources and non-medical settings.

Two unrelated reports of severe illness following botulinum toxin injections were reported among Louisiana residents in September. One patient received injections of an unlicensed botulinum toxin product purchased online, and one patient received injections from an individual with unknown licensure in a non-medical setting. These patients began experiencing botulism-like symptoms a few days following the injections. Both experienced severe illness requiring hospitalization, according to LDH.

Botulism is a rare and sometimes fatal illnes