CHP is investigating a possible botulism case
The Center for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (2 October) investigating a possible case of botulism following botulinum toxin injections in a patient in Bangkok, Thailand. The CHP again reminded the public that botulinum toxin injections must be prescribed and administered only by registered physicians.
The case concerns a 34-year-old female patient with good previous health. According to information provided by the patient, she received injections of what she claims is botulinum toxin from a person at a facility in Bangkok, Thailand, for the first time on September 25. However, the patient was unable to confirm the professional qualifications of the person who administered the injections. He presented with symptoms such as dizziness and limb weakness since September 29. He attended the accident and emergency department of Tuen Mun Hospital yesterday (October 1) with dysphagia, chest discomfort and shortness of breath and was admitted the same day. He is now in stable condition. He was clinically suspected to have botulism caused by botulinum toxin injection.
The CHP has reported the case to the relevant Thai authority. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing.
“In Hong Kong, botulinum toxin injections should only be given by a locally registered doctor. Customers should verify the doctor’s full name againstlist of registered doctorsof the Hong Kong Medical Council as well as their professional qualifications and relevant experience. When receiving injections outside of Hong Kong, take special care to ensure that the provider is qualified or registered in the relevant jurisdictions to practice. In case of injections received from suspicious sources, avoid receiving them. If you feel unwell, seek medical advice from appropriate healthcare professionals as soon as possible,” said a DH spokesperson.
Due to the weakening of the associated muscles and the fact that the botulinum toxin can spread and affect other areas beyond the injection site, affected patients may have drooping eyelids, double or blurred vision, problems with chewing, hoarseness or even difficulty swallowing. speech or breathing, which may occur hours, days or weeks after the injection.
The DH urged the public to adhere to the following health advice before receiving botulinum toxin injections:
The public can visit the DH website atdifferentiation between medical procedures and beauty servicestheDrug databaseof the Bureau of Narcotics and the CHP’sSausage pagefor more information.
Various amendments to maritime legislation will be announced tomorrow
The Government will tomorrow (10 October) publish a proposal to amend and update maritime legislation by making eight amending regulations/orders/notifications, including the Navigation (Amendment of Schedules 3 and 4) Order 2024. the Dangerous Goods (Shipping) Regulation 2012 (Amendment) Regulation 2024; the Shipping and Port Control (Amendment) Regulation 2024; the Shipping and Port Control (Terminal Ferries) (Amendment) Regulation 2024; the Shipping and Port Control (Ports) (Amendment) Order 2024; the Merchant Shipping (Local Ships) (General) (Amendment) Regulation 2024; the Merchant Shipping (Local Ships) (Safety and Survey) (Amendment) Regulation 2024; and the Merchant Shipping (Fees) (Amendment) Regulation 2024.
The proposed amendments aim to update and unify the types and formats of geodetic reference data used in maritime legislation. It also makes various amendments to various shipping legislation in relation to defining new special berths, updating radio channels and sectors in ship traffic services, updating the definition of radio regulations, removing obsolete cable stocks, adapting of the boundaries of various bridge areas. to the changes to the coastline, removing the Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal from the legislation specifying terminals for use by cross-border passenger vessels due to the cessation of cross-border passenger transport, as well as setting the fees for the inspection of Hong Kong vessels in relation to an industrial Personnel Security Certificate and other fees in connection with such certificate.
A spokesman for the Transport and Logistics Bureau said: “To maintain Hong Kong’s position as an international shipping hub, the Government is committed to regularly updating maritime legislation to reflect the latest developments in the local and global maritime landscape. The current amendments are crucial for ensuring that Hong Kong’s maritime law remains up-to-date.”
The legislative proposal was consulted by the Legislative Council’s Economic Development Committee (LegCo), as well as the Local Vessels Advisory Committee, the Navigation Advisory Committee, the Port Operations Committee and the Hong Kong Fleet Operations Advisory Committee of the Ministry of Marine, respectively. Members supported the motion.
The proposed legislative amendments will be submitted to the LegCo for negative review on October 16.
