Disease Outbreak News - World Health Organization

Iatrogenic Botulism- European Region
24 March 2023
Situation at a glance

On 7 March 2023, the National IHR Focal Point (NFP) for Germany notified WHO of five cases of iatrogenic botulism in individuals who underwent medical procedures with the injection of botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A) in health institutions in Türkiye. As of 17 March 2023, a total of 71 cases were reported in four countries in the European Region, mainly linked to two hospitals in different locations in Türkiye.

The products used for the treatment were seized and taken for examination and evaluation by the Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency. No new symptomatic cases have been reported since 8 March 2023.

Outbreaks of botulism are very rare and can be associated with a natural, accidental, or potentially deliberate source of infection.