At a glance
- Level: Laboratory Advisory
- Audience: Clinical Laboratory Professionals
Lab Advisory: CDC Issues Alert for Adverse Effects Linked to Counterfeit or Mishandled Botulinum Toxin Injections
On April 23, 2024, CDC issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) message about the risks of counterfeit or mishandled botulinum toxin injections. CDC, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and state and local partners are investigating clusters of 22 people in 11 U.S. states reporting adverse effects after receiving injections with counterfeit botulinum toxin or injections administered by unlicensed or untrained individuals or in non-healthcare settings.
If botulism is suspected, immediately call your health department or the CDC clinical botulism service (available 24/7 at 770-488-7100) for consultation and further guidance on submitting clinical specimens for testing since testing varies by state. Diagnostic testing for suspected botulism is available through the CDC National Botulism Laboratory or state public health laboratories.
For more information, including recommendations, please review the HAN in detail.
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Please use the information below if you have any questions.
- If you are a clinical or public health laboratory professional, contact LOCS.
- For media inquiries, contact the CDC Newsroom.
- For all other questions, contact CDC-INFO.
Thank you,
The Laboratory Outreach Communication System
Laboratory Outreach Communication System (LOCS) | Division of Laboratory Systems (DLS)
Center for Laboratory Systems and Response (CLSR)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)