Introduction
A serious issue has come up involving two women from Hong Kong. They are suspected of having botulism poisoning after getting Botox injections in Shenzhen that were not authorized. One of the women is in critical condition right now. This shows how dangerous it can be to get cosmetic treatments from places that aren’t regulated. This case is similar to another recent one in Hong Kong, and it’s a worrying pattern we need to pay attention to.

The Shenzhen Incident
Two women from Hong Kong went to Shenzhen to get botulinum toxin injections, also known as Botox. They got these shots at a location that wasn’t approved or safe. After the injections, both women started feeling very sick. One of them is now in critical condition and needs urgent medical care. The other woman is also unwell, though not as severe. This happened recently, and health officials are looking into the details of where and how these injections were done.

Connecting the Dots: The Recent Dongguan Case
This isn’t the first time something like this has happened. Just a short while ago, Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection (CHP) reported a similar case. A 38-year-old woman got unauthorized Botox injections in Dongguan, another city on the Chinese mainland. After the shots, she started showing signs of botulism, a dangerous illness. Like the Shenzhen case, she had neurological symptoms, meaning problems with her nerves and muscles. Both cases involve injections from unverified places and show how risky this can be. Hong Kong health officials are involved in investigating these events to protect people.

Symptoms of Botulism Poisoning from Injections
The women in both the Shenzhen and Dongguan cases had similar symptoms after their injections. They felt weakness in their arms and legs, had trouble swallowing, and noticed their eyelids drooping partly. These signs happen because botulinum toxin, when not used correctly, can cause muscle paralysis. This means the muscles stop working properly, which can make it hard to move, eat, or even breathe. These symptoms are serious and need quick medical help.

The Dangers of Unauthorized Botox
Getting Botox from unverified places is very risky. First, the product might be fake or not mixed properly, which can harm your body. Second, the place might not be clean, leading to infections. Third, the person giving the injection might not be trained or qualified, so they could make mistakes. All these things raise the chance of getting botulism or other health problems. Unauthorized injections are dangerous because there’s no way to know if they’re safe.

Botulism: Beyond Cosmetic Procedures
Botulism isn’t just caused by bad injections. It can also come from eating food that’s not canned or stored properly, like homemade canned goods that go bad. This is called foodborne botulism. But in this article, we focus on botulism from injections because that’s what happened in these recent cases. It’s important to know there are different ways to get this illness, but cosmetic treatments are a growing concern.

Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection (CHP) Response and Advice
After the Dongguan case, the CHP gave important advice to keep people safe. They say you should always check if the person giving the injection is a qualified doctor or nurse. Make sure the Botox product is registered and approved for use. If you feel sick or notice symptoms like weakness or trouble swallowing after an injection, get medical help right away. These steps are key to avoiding problems like the ones in Shenzhen and Dongguan.

The Importance of Seeking Qualified Professionals
It’s critical to only get Botox injections from licensed doctors or nurses at trusted clinics. These professionals know how to use the product safely and follow strict rules to keep you healthy. They use real, approved Botox, not fake or unsafe versions. Choosing a qualified person lowers the risk of complications and makes sure you’re in good hands. Don’t take chances with your health by going to unverified places.

Conclusion
These cases show how serious and life-threatening unauthorized cosmetic procedures can be. The situation with the two Hong Kong women in Shenzhen, where one is in critical condition, is a strong warning. Always put your health and safety first. Choose qualified professionals for any medical or cosmetic treatment, and be careful about where you go. Staying safe is more important than taking risks for beauty.