#botulism

#botulism

The owner of the Milton medical spa that was linked to at least 14 botulism cases this summer pleaded guilty to injecting clients with unapproved botulinum toxin, federal prosecutors said. Rodrigo de Medeiros Siqueira, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of misbranding of a drug after shipment in interstate commerce with the intent to defraud or mislead, Massachusetts U.S. Attorney Leah Foley's office said.

Reports indicate that there has been a concerning rise in hospitalizations associated with botulinum toxin injections, particularly when these procedures are performed by unlicensed practitioners.

State public health officials are now reporting that cases of botulism linked to Botox procedures at a Milton spa have surged to 14 from four last week.