County officials warn about dangers of counterfeit Botox after woman suffers botulism [Video]

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) – The county is warning about the dangers of counterfeit Botox after a San Diego woman developed botulism. Officials say she was able to purchase the product online, then took it to a “Botox party” in Mexico.

“Where it was injected by an unlicensed and untrained person,” said Dr. Erik A. Berg, medical consultant for San Diego County.

County health officials say the 43-year-old woman soon after developed a headache, weakness, and blurred vision which is consistent with botulism.

The CDC reports 22 cases of botulism due to counterfeit Botox across 11 states, including two in California. Officials say half of the patients required hospitalization.

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Richard Chaffoo says you have to be a licensed physician to purchase legitimate Botox and a licensed professional should always be the one administering it.

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