South Shore Health has not provided details on whether they are treating suspected cases or the numbers they are encountering, directing inquiries instead to the Department of Public Health.

Dr. Jason Tracy, the chief medical officer at the health system, mentioned that patients typically receive a presumptive diagnosis based on their symptoms and recent injection history. Following that, the hospital coordinates with both the Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control, which offers an anti-toxin on a case-by-case basis. This anti-toxin can slow down the progression of symptoms, though it won’t reverse them, hence the importance of supportive care in hospitals.

“This is quite rare,” Tracy noted. “It’s not really comparable to a food-borne botulism case. There isn’t a wealth of information out there to guide clinicians regarding prognosis or historical timelines for what might happen.”

Botulinum toxin, often recognized by its brand name Botox, is generally considered safe for cosmetic purposes. This potent toxin, produced by bacteria, impedes the nervous system’s ability to activate muscles, and it’s globally recognized for its wrinkle-smoothing effects. In fact, it’s the most widely used cosmetic procedure, with around 3 million injections done each year.

Dr. Mathew M. Avram, who directs the Dermatology Laser and Cosmetic Center at Mass. General Hospital, explained that cosmetic doses are much lower than those used in medical treatments. Under regulated and FDA-approved conditions, it’s exceedingly unusual for the toxin to lead to botulism in healthy adults.

“I haven’t encountered this with any patients or heard colleagues mention it,” Avram commented. “To experience these issues, someone would have to stray significantly from normal injection practices.”

Excessive dosing, improper technique, or the use of counterfeit products can heighten risks, he added.

“We’ve seen cases where injectors have resorted to using counterfeit or self-made products,” Avram stated. “These practices pose serious risks to patients.”

Botulism develops when the botulinum toxin enters the bloodstream, leading to symptoms like double or blurry vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, and breathing troubles. These can progress to muscle weakness over hours or days.

The Department of Public Health has advised clinicians to inform patients interested in cosmetic injections about potential risks and recommends that these procedures be performed exclusively by licensed providers.

“If someone has received a Botox injection and is experiencing those symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical help,” Tracy emphasized. “I don’t mean to induce panic, but anyone facing visual changes, slurred speech, or trouble swallowing should not overlook it.”

This situation is part of a broader trend of Botox-related issues surfacing in the South Shore. In November, Rebecca Fadanelli, 38, was arrested for allegedly selling counterfeit Botox from Skin Beauté Med Spa in Easton and Randolph.

According to prosecutors, Fadanelli had imported counterfeit Botox, Sculptra, and Juvederm from China and Brazil over the years, administering more than a thousand injections and collecting upwards of $900,000. Though she led clients to believe she was a nurse, officials stated she was just an aesthetician without proper licensing.