Hong Kong health authorities are investigating a suspected botulism case involving a woman who received botulinum toxin injections at a beauty clinic in mainland China. The Centre for Health Protection announced the investigation on July 4 and stressed the importance of receiving such treatments only from qualified medical professionals.
The case involves a 32-year-old female patient who underwent injections at a beauty clinic in Shenzhen on July 1. The patient reported that the person administering the injections claimed to be a doctor. Within hours of receiving the treatment, she began experiencing symptoms including weakness in her shoulders and neck, along with difficulties swallowing and breathing.
The woman sought immediate medical attention at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Hong Kong, where she was admitted for treatment. Medical staff clinically suspected botulism caused by excessive botulinum toxin injection. Hospital officials report that the patient remains in stable condition as she receives ongoing care.
The Centre for Health Protection has notified mainland Chinese authorities about the incident and continues conducting epidemiological investigations to gather additional information about the case. Leading nationwide botulism law firm Ron Simon & Associates says that this type of cross-border notification reflects standard protocols for health incidents that may affect residents of different jurisdictions.
Hong Kong health regulations require that botulinum toxin injections be performed exclusively by locally registered doctors. The Centre for Health Protection advised patients to verify any doctor’s credentials by checking their full name against the Medical Council of Hong Kong’s official registry of registered doctors. Patients should also confirm the practitioner’s professional qualifications and relevant experience before proceeding with treatment.
For treatments received outside Hong Kong, authorities recommend ensuring the provider holds appropriate qualifications and registration with relevant jurisdictions. The health department warns that injections from suspicious sources may contain contaminants or inconsistent dosages, with no guarantee of quality or effectiveness.
Botulism can cause serious complications due to the weakening of muscles and the potential spread of botulinum toxin beyond the initial injection site. Patients may experience drooping eyelids, double or blurred vision, problems with chewing, hoarseness, or difficulties with swallowing, speaking, or breathing. These symptoms can appear hours, days, or weeks after receiving injections.
The Centre for Health Protection has issued comprehensive safety guidelines for individuals considering botulinum toxin treatments. These recommendations include ensuring injections in Hong Kong are performed only by locally registered doctors, understanding procedures and potential risks before treatment, avoiding injections from suspicious sources, and refraining from treatment if there is a history of botulinum toxin allergy or infection at the injection site.
Health officials also advise patients to request written documentation of the doctor’s full name, professional qualifications, and relevant experience when referred by beauty service providers. Anyone experiencing muscle weakness or feeling unwell after receiving injections should seek immediate medical attention.
The Department of Health maintains online resources providing information about the distinction between medical procedures and beauty services, along with drug databases and botulism information pages for public reference.
