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14 Mar 2023
Since late February 2023 and as of 10 March 2023, 67 cases of botulism linked to intragastric injection of the botulism neurotoxin (BoNT) have been reported in Germany (12), Austria (1), Switzerland (1) and Türkiye (53).
The information currently available indicates that all patients had medical interventions aimed at helping them lose weight, performed between 22 February and 1 March 2023. Among 63 cases with available information, 60 cases are linked to a private hospital in Istanbul while three cases are linked to a private hospital in Izmir, Türkiye.
The symptoms have ranged from mild to severe and several cases have been hospitalised. Among those hospitalised, a number are reported to have been admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICU) and received treatment with botulinum anti-toxin.
Individuals who have travelled to Istanbul and Izmir for intragastric BoNT treatment between 22 February and 1 March 2023 are encouraged to seek medical advice from their healthcare provider, particularly if they experience symptoms such as weakness, difficulty in breathing and/or swallowing.
ECDC strongly encourages EU/EEA citizens to avoid intragastric treatments with BoNT for obesity in Türkiye as this is currently associated with a significant risk of developing botulism. At this time, it is unclear whether this event represents a therapeutic or procedural issue in the involved hospitals, or whether there is a problem with the product administered.
Investigations carried out by Turkish authorities revealed that licensed BoNT products were administered in the treatments but that these products are not approved for the treatment of obesity by intragastric injection. ...
Since late February 2023 and as of 10 March 2023, 67 cases of botulism linked to intragastric injection of the botulism neurotoxin (BoNT) have been reported in Germany (12), Austria (1), Switzerland (1) and Türkiye (53).
The information currently available indicates that all patients had medical interventions aimed at helping them lose weight, performed between 22 February and 1 March 2023. Among 63 cases with available information, 60 cases are linked to a private hospital in Istanbul while three cases are linked to a private hospital in Izmir, Türkiye.
The symptoms have ranged from mild to severe and several cases have been hospitalised. Among those hospitalised, a number are reported to have been admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICU) and received treatment with botulinum anti-toxin.
Individuals who have travelled to Istanbul and Izmir for intragastric BoNT treatment between 22 February and 1 March 2023 are encouraged to seek medical advice from their healthcare provider, particularly if they experience symptoms such as weakness, difficulty in breathing and/or swallowing.
ECDC strongly encourages EU/EEA citizens to avoid intragastric treatments with BoNT for obesity in Türkiye as this is currently associated with a significant risk of developing botulism. At this time, it is unclear whether this event represents a therapeutic or procedural issue in the involved hospitals, or whether there is a problem with the product administered.
Investigations carried out by Turkish authorities revealed that licensed BoNT products were administered in the treatments but that these products are not approved for the treatment of obesity by intragastric injection. ...