Botulism warning after 'rogue' cosmetic procedures see Brits suffer horror reactions

A mum has warned of the dangers of 'fake' cosmetic jabs after 28 people were left with potentially fatal botulism in the biggest UK outbreak in more than a century.

The Mirror revealed five people were treated in an accident and emergency department in Durham after suffering a severe reaction to jabs earlier this month. We have campaigned to highlight the dangers of 'rogue' cosmetic treatments.

Nicola Fairley, 37, could not smile, struggled to eat and swallow and felt exhausted after her treatment. She said: "They got the doctor to see me within five minutes and started some tests there and then. I just don't know where people get it from, it's scary. There needs to be more rules and stricter guidelines on who can do it. Anybody can go and do a course and just do it. It is part of your beauty regime like getting your nails done or your hair."

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The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is investigating the outbreak. Botulinum toxin is widely used to reduce facial wrinkles and treat muscle conditions. While cosmetic practitioners do not need to be licensed, the drug does.

Ashton Collins, director of Save Face, the body which has verified 14,000 beauty treatment clinics, said: "There are unscrupulous practitioners who buy these treatments from places like China or Korea. They offer them on social media for £99 or less. People think they are getting a bargain but in fact they are putting their health and appearance in jeopardy."

Only seven brands are licensed in the UK. When used correctly the amounts are small and side effects are rare. But unregulated toxin, or larger quantities, can attack the nerves and cause botulism, a potentially life-threatening condition that causes paralysis.

Mum-of-four Fairley had anti-wrinkle injections before the latest treatments. She paid £100 for three jabs, then won a round of treatment from the same provider in a competition. She was told it was a stronger type of the toxin, with three injections.

She had no idea this treatment was illegal. MHRA Chief safety officer Dr Alison Cave told the BBC that their criminal enforcement unit "works hard to identify those involved."

Durham county council's Director of public health Amanda Healy also urged anyone with symptoms to seek treatment.

She said: “We are working closely with colleagues at UKHSA to investigate the cause of these adverse reactions.

"We want to ensure all possible steps are taken to prevent more people becoming unwell.

"I would encourage anyone who has recently undertaken an aesthetic procedure, and is experiencing any of the symptoms listed, to contact NHS 111.”

The Dept of Health and Social Care (DHSC) admitted people's lives were being put at risk.

They hit out at "inadequately trained operators in the cosmetic sector" and said this was why the government was looking into new regulations.

"We urge anyone considering cosmetic procedures to consider the possible health impacts and find a reputable, insured and qualified practitioner," a spokesperson said.

The Mirror is campaigning to clamp down on those practitioners who offer treatments without proper training and expertise.

The crusade has won the support of industry bodies, MPs and campaigners.