Deadly paralysing bacteria linked to bogus botox in Sydney

“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,” he said.

Symptoms of botulism can appear for up to two weeks following injections and may include progressive weakness, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), drooping eyelids (ptosis), blurred or double vision (diplopia) and difficulty breathing.

NSW Health urges anyone experiencing these symptoms to seek immediate medical attention by visiting their nearest emergency department or calling triple zero.

Fewer than 50 cases of botulism have been confirmed in Australia since 1998, with infants accounting for the bulk of cases.

Babies under 12 months old are at most risk, as the immature gut has not yet developed natural defences to the spores of Clostridium botulinum. Found in contaminated dust, soil and raw honey these then grow in the intestine and produce the toxin.