Illinois Issues Alert on Possible Botulism Cases That May Be Linked to Counterfeit Botox

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) alerted health care facilities on Monday to be on a heightened lookout for patients exhibiting symptoms resembling botulism after two reported cases in the state. The cases involved people who received injections of Botox or a similar counterfeit product from a licensed nurse in LaSalle County who was performing work outside her authority, the IDPH said. Both individuals required hospitalization after developing symptoms similar to botulism, such as blurred vision, droopy face, fatigue, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and a hoarse voice. The IDPH said it had been in contact with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding its investigation into the cases....