NSW Health is reminding the community to only receive cosmetic anti-wrinkle injections from an authorised practitioner.
This follows a suspected case of botulism in a woman in Sydney, which is believed to be linked to an unregulated anti-wrinkle injection she received at a residential premises from a person in the previous two weeks.
The woman is receiving intensive care at a hospital in Sydney.
NSW Health is working with the Health Care Complaints Commission and NSW Police on this matter.
NSW Health Executive Director Health Protection Dr Jeremy McAnulty said the case was a reminder of the potential side effects of unregulated cosmetic injections and to be sure to receive cosmetic injections by authorised practitioners.
"Cosmetic injections, if used incorrectly, could result in serious harm and even death in the most serious of cases," Dr McAnulty said.
"Botulism, although rare, can be fatal, which is why it is so important that anyone receiving cosmetic injections does so under the supervision of an appropriately registered health practitioner.
"In this particular case, investigations are continuing, but we want people to be aware of the symptoms of botulism as others could have been exposed."
Symptoms can appear for up to two weeks following injections.
Symptoms of botulism may include:
- progressive weakness
- difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- drooping eyelids (ptosis)
- blurred or double vision (diplopia)
- difficulty breathing
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention by visiting their nearest emergency department or call Triple Zero (000) for emergency assistance.
If you or someone you care about needs health advice, treatment or care and it is not life-threatening, you can call Healthdirect for free on 1800 022 222 where you will speak with a registered nurse. Depending on your condition, the nurse will recommend the right care option for you and connect you with one of the many services available in NSW.
