Fourteen people who received cosmetic injections in County Durham and Darlington were recently admitted to hospital following ‘adverse reactions’.

The patients reportedly experienced side effects such as double vision, severe upper eyelid drooping, slurred speech and lethargy after receiving Botox injections, or ‘procedures involving botulinum toxin’.

Durham County Council has since launched an investigation with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), who advised that the issue is not linked to the use of contaminated products and suggested that those presenting symptoms of infection should seek medical attention.

UKHSA official Dr Joanna Darke said: ‘Botulism is a rare infection, but it can be serious. It is caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria.

‘These toxins (but not the bacteria) are the active ingredient in Botox and similar products. There are effective treatments available.’

The UKHSA has advised that anyone experiencing similar symptoms after undergoing a cosmetic procedure should contact NHS 111, whilst recommending that those considering aesthetic procedures should ‘take precautions’ and source a licensed practitioner.

In response to the County Durham and Darlington cases, Allergan Aesthetics, the trademark owner and manufacturer of Botox, voiced suspicions that the product ‘being referred to as ‘botox’’ is ‘counterfeit’, according to the BBC.

Amanda Healy, County Durham Director of Public Health, said: ‘We are working closely with colleagues at UKHSA to investigate the cause of these adverse reactions and to ensure all possible steps are taken to prevent more people becoming unwell.’