Mass. health officials identify source of recent Botox-related botulism cases
Updated: 7:41 PM EDT Jun 7, 2025
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has identified a source associated with multiple recent cases of botulism.As of Saturday, 10 cases of suspected iatrogenic botulism are under investigation, all associated with injections performed at Rodrigo Beauty, located at 464 Granite Ave. in Milton, Massachusetts, the DPH said.The cases are linked to cosmetic botulinum toxin, commonly known as Botox, injections, which are widely used for cosmetic purposes to reduce wrinkles and fine lines.”While generally safe when administered by trained professionals, improper dosing, administration technique, or use of non-FDA-approved products may increase the risk of systemic botulism symptoms,” the DPH said.The DPH said iatrogenic botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by botulinum toxin spreading beyond the injection site, potentially leading to life-threatening symptoms.Initial botulism symptoms can include double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing and difficulty breathing. These symptoms could be followed by a descending, symmetric muscle weakness that progresses over hours to days.The DPH said anyone who received Botox injections at Rodrigo Beauty between May 1 and June 4 this year is strongly urged to contact the DPH at 617-983-6800 or their local board of health immediately, even if they are not currently experiencing symptoms. It is not yet clear whether there are any other sources related to the recent botulism cases.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has identified a source associated with multiple recent cases of botulism.
As of Saturday, 10 cases of suspected iatrogenic botulism are under investigation, all associated with injections performed at Rodrigo Beauty, located at 464 Granite Ave. in Milton, Massachusetts, the DPH said.
The cases are linked to cosmetic botulinum toxin, commonly known as Botox, injections, which are widely used for cosmetic purposes to reduce wrinkles and fine lines.
“While generally safe when administered by trained professionals, improper dosing, administration technique, or use of non-FDA-approved products may increase the risk of systemic botulism symptoms,” the DPH said.
The DPH said iatrogenic botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by botulinum toxin spreading beyond the injection site, potentially leading to life-threatening symptoms.
Initial botulism symptoms can include double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing and difficulty breathing. These symptoms could be followed by a descending, symmetric muscle weakness that progresses over hours to days.
The DPH said anyone who received Botox injections at Rodrigo Beauty between May 1 and June 4 this year is strongly urged to contact the DPH at 617-983-6800 or their local board of health immediately, even if they are not currently experiencing symptoms.
It is not yet clear whether there are any other sources related to the recent botulism cases.