Guyana on Friday launched the Global Strategy for Cervical Cancer Elimination, saying with officials saying that the country has embarked on a countrywide campaign to vaccinate persons against the human papilloma virus (HPV) and screen persons for cancer caused by that virus. With Guyana currently having 40 percent HPV vaccine coverage, Director of the Ministry of ...

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on Friday that it is investigating reports of "a few botulism-like illnesses in several states resulting from botulinum toxin injections (commonly called ‘Botox’) administered in non-medical settings," the agency said in a statement.

"We are coordinating a multi-state outbreak investigation," the agency added. 

WHAT EXACTLY IS BOTOX?

Illnesses have been reported to the Tennessee and Illinois health departments, which are working with the CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the investigation, the CDC noted.

In Tennessee, four patients sought medical care after experiencing "botulism-like signs and symptoms" after receiving Botox injections for cosmetic purposes, according to an online statement from the Tennessee Department of Health.

Two of the patients were hospitalized.

"Joint investigations have identified concerns about use of counterfeit products or products with unclear origin administered in non-medical settings such as homes or cosmetic spas," the statement said.

The Illinois Department of Public Health issued a similar statement after two patients reported receiving potentially counterfeit Botox injections in LaSalle County.

ARTIFICIAL BEAUTY: WARNING OF THREATS TO GIRLS’ SELF-ESTEEM, DOVE RECOMMITS TO NEVER USING AI IN ADS

The two individuals reported symptoms that included blurred/double vision, droopy face, fatigue, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath and hoarse voice, the statement said.

The patients, both of whom were hospitalized, received the injections from a licensed nurse who was "performing work outside her authority."

Additional cases have been reported in Kentucky, Washington and Colorado.

"The sources of these botulinum toxin products are unknown or unverified at this time," the CDC stated. 

"Questions about product regulation and product investigation should be directed to the FDA."

Botulism is a "serious and sometimes fatal" illness that occurs when a toxin attacks the body’s nerves, according to the CDC.

Initial symptoms usually include muscle weakness around the eyes, face, mouth and throat, which could also spread to the neck, arms, torso and legs.

Other symptoms can include blurred or double vision, difficulty breathing, trouble swallowing, drooping eyelids, slurred speech and difficulty moving the eyes.

"What’s particularly concerning are the respiratory problems that some are experiencing," Dr. Salar Hazany, a certified dermatologist and reconstructive surgeon at Scar Healing Institute in Beverly Hills, told Fox News Digital.

"If the wrong patient begins having trouble with their breathing, it could be fatal."

Dr. Craig Lehrman, director of aesthetic surgery at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, noted that fake Botox has been an issue since the early 2000s.

"Unfortunately, I treat several patients a year who have received non-approved injectables of things they are told to be safe, which ends up having serious consequences," he told Fox News Digital.

"It has mostly been linked to injections in settings such as someone's home or a poorly regulated med spa."

CALIFORNIA PLASTIC SURGERY 'ADDICT’ DISSOLVES FILLER TO ‘EMBRACE BEAUTY’ AFTER SPENDING $50K ON PROCEDURES

Botox is made from a specific type of Clostridium botulinum, a bacteria that produces paralysis in the muscles where it is injected, he said.

"The people receiving the presumed counterfeit Botox are suffering from an illness that is similar to botulism, caused by the same bacteria," he said.

There are strict safety criteria for the use and storage of Botox, and serious risks come with the injection of fraudulent or poorly managed products, Lehrman warned. 

"Botulism can carry detrimental effects ranging from infection, to permanent deformity, to serious wound formation."

"​​Cosmetic injections should be an FDA-approved product, administered by licensed providers and in licensed settings," the CDC stated. 

There has been a large increase in the number of people offering these services who are not board-certified in the fields of plastic surgery, dermatology or ENT, according to Lehrman. 

PLASTIC SURGERY DEATHS HAVE SPIKED AMONG US PATIENTS WHO TRAVELED TO DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: CDC REPORT

"I would advise potential patients to do their research on the person who will be injecting them — and not just search for the cheapest option," he said. 

"I would recommend going to a center that has rigorous standards of education and a track record of safety."

In most cases, Botox injections are safe, according to experts.

"Laboratory-confirmed cases of systemic botulism occurring after cosmetic or therapeutic injections of botulinum toxin are rare," the CDC said in its statement.

Millions of injections are performed each year by licensed medical providers and have been shown to be safe when done in the correct manner, Lehrman added.

"Those considering Botox should research the background of the provider and make sure that the practice has not racked up a number of complaints," added Hazany.  

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

"Do not go to an unlicensed provider. If the offer seems too good to be true, it probably is."

Anyone who experiences botulism-like symptoms following an injection should seek medical attention, according to health officials.

Fox News Digital reached out to Abbvie (manufacturer of Botox), the FDA, the Tennessee Department of Public Health, and the Illinois Department of Public Health requesting comment.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health. 

This groundbreaking initiative kicked off on Sunday, April 6, ...

Santo Domingo.- The Chamber of Deputies passed a bill this Tuesday in its first reading, mandating the implementation of neonatal screening for the early detection of congenital and metabolic diseases in the child population of the Dominican Republic. The objective of this legislative measure is to ensure that all newborns receive early detection, care, and monitoring for potential metabolic and congenital diseases through neonatal screening tests.

The initiative was introduced to the Upper House by Senators Lía Díaz Santana (PRM-Azua), José Antonio Castillo (FP-San José de Ocoa), and Bautista Bauta Rojas Gómez (FP-Hermanas Mirabal), and subsequently approved by the Senate Plenary.

Although the legislation has been approved on previous occasions, it failed to progress in the Lower House. However, next week, the bill could be ratified in its second reading, as indicated by Alfredo Pacheco, President of the Deputies.

What is neonatal screening?

Neonatal screening encompasses a series of procedures aimed at early detection of Inborn Errors of Metabolism (IEM) and diseases that could compromise the quality of life and present congenital metabolic abnormalities. One example is the collection of blood samples from the umbilical cord and heel of newborns, enabling specific tests to detect, treat, and provide ongoing monitoring throughout life for metabolic, endocrine, visual, or auditory disorders. These screenings are crucial as undetected conditions could lead to physical or cognitive disabilities and increased infant mortality rates.

Regulations and Implementation

Within 90 days of promulgation and publication of the regulations, the President of the republic will issue guidelines for the law’s implementation. Furthermore, a 24-month (two-year) period is stipulated from the law’s enforcement date to enable both public and private health centers across the country with necessary equipment and personnel to conduct neonatal screening tests for all newborns.

The law will come into effect upon its promulgation and publication, following the constitutional mandates and expiration of deadlines outlined in the Civil Code.

Santo Domingo.- Through an inter-institutional agreement with Global Healthcare Accreditation (GHA), the Médico Express San Isidro outpatient health center is set to become the first healthcare service provider in the Dominican Republic and the wider Caribbean region to attain GHA Certification for Excellence in Medical Tourism Patient Experience.

This certification, facilitated by GHA, will equip the clinical and administrative staff of this center with training and tools necessary for enhancing its standards of excellence in quality and experience for both local and international patients. By optimizing their medical tourism programs, the center aims to bolster confidence in the country as a secure health tourism destination.

The agreement signing ceremony saw the participation of Renée Marie Stephano, Executive President of GHA and founder of the Medical Tourism Association (MTA), Alejandro Cambiaso, Executive President of Médico Express, Vice President Francesco Fino, and other key executives including Felipe Amador, CEO of Advanced Capital Group.

Dr. Alejandro Cambiaso expressed his commitment to ensuring world-class care with state-of-the-art technology through this partnership, emphasizing the center’s dedication to the Dominican and tourist populations. Médico Express San Isidro, renowned for its innovative preventive, diagnostic, surgical, and emergency services, is poised to lead in accessibility, medical tourism, and the digital transformation of the Dominican health sector.

The center will soon inaugurate a modern international department aimed at facilitating medical evaluations and procedures for tourists promptly and affordably, thereby contributing to the growth of health tourism in the country.

Medical tourism is a vital economic driver for the Dominican Republic, creating jobs and facilitating knowledge and technology transfer. The eastern region, previously lacking medical services with such standards, stands to benefit significantly from this development.

Renée Marie Stephano highlighted the Dominican Republic’s ranking in the Medical Tourism Index (MTI), where it stands 19th globally and second in Latin America, underscoring its prominence as a premier health tourism destination in the Caribbean.

GHA’s training and certification services will impart essential skills and protocols to Médico Express staff, positioning the center as a hub of excellence and regional reference in medical care and patient experience.

Médico Express will soon launch in the eastern zone, offering a wide range of services including emergency care, clinical laboratory, vaccinations, advanced imaging studies, and various specialized consultations spanning gynecology, pediatrics, psychology, cardiology, dermatology, and more.

Global Healthcare Accreditation, endorsed by the International Society for Quality (ISQua), focuses on improving clinical and administrative processes, prioritizing patient experience and medical care safety in medical tourism.

Santo Domingo.- This Tuesday morning, Minister of Public Health, Víctor Elías Atallah Lajam, reassured the public by stating that the health sector remains calm, as there is no significant overload of dengue cases in the country.

Atallah announced the commencement of the first national dengue day, marking the launch of a preemptive campaign to mitigate the potential outbreak. He emphasized the government’s proactive stance in averting a crisis that could potentially mirror the severe outbreaks experienced in other countries across the Americas.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) had previously issued a warning in March, predicting the worst dengue season in history for the American continent. This alarming prognosis is largely attributed to the global rise in temperatures and extreme weather events.

PAHO Director, Jarbas Barbosa, highlighted the gravity of the situation, citing that last year witnessed 4.5 million dengue cases, with the current year already tallying 3.5 million cases. This surge indicates the likelihood of the worst dengue season on record for the Americas. Barbosa stressed the imperative for countries experiencing heightened transmission rates to intensify preventive efforts to curb the disease’s spread.

During a virtual press conference, Barbosa presented the latest data on dengue, revealing that as of March 16, the American continent had reported over 3.5 million cases and more than 1,000 deaths attributed to the disease.

The designation, initially announced in October 2023, was celebrated on Monday in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), the Caribbean’s WHO regional office.

The laboratory, which opened in 2018, has been playing a critical role in the COVID-19 pandemic response. One of the first Caribbean labs to acquire test kits and reagents for COVID-19 detection, it has processed over 800 000 COVID-19 tests in the last three years. It also features programmes for global salmonella and influenza surveillance, HIV/Sexually Transmitted Infections examinations, and water and air quality monitoring.

PAHO’s representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Dr Amalia Del Riego, said the lab’s new role will help Barbados better understand the flu, track its changes, and protect the population through more effective vaccines and treatment.

He said: “The laboratory is recognised for its highest standards and its ability to perform specialised diagnostics, contribute to global flu surveillance and provide critical data that helps in the fight against influenza and pandemic.”

Minister of State in the Ministry of Health Davidson Ishmael highlighted Barbados’ longstanding commitment to excellence in flu testing, calling the recognition “a culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and collaboration, not just in relation to influenza but to public health on a whole”.

“As the Ministry of Health and Wellness expands its capacity to monitor non-communicable diseases, including and arguably chief of which is cancer, surveillance and enhanced diagnostics will be key to addressing early detection and monitoring,” he added.

Prime Minister Mia Mottley expressed gratitude to all involved and underscored the importance of national investment in healthcare infrastructure, emphasising the laboratory’s capability to uphold standards worthy of global recognition.

The Best-dos Santos Public Health Laboratory at Enmore is named in honour of two former health experts who pioneered the development of Barbadian laboratory services and technologies – senior laboratory technologist Cecil Best and senior consultant pathologist Wilfred dos Santos. (SM)

The post Public health lab now a National Influenza Centre appeared first on Barbados Today.

The announcement came at a ceremony to celebrate the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recognition of the Best-dos Santos Public Health Laboratory as a National Influenza Centre and a member of the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS).

Mottley emphasised the inevitability of another pandemic and the need to learn from the COVID-19 experience.

“Pandemics are usually a cycle of panic and neglect and it is up to us as a government and as an institution, or as institutions like PAHO and WHO, to ensure that that panic and neglect is removed from our experience in preparation for the next pandemic and we, as a government, are choosing to walk the walk and not just talk the talk,” she said.

The prime minister highlighted the country’s recent investments in public health infrastructure, including the Best-dos Santos Lab and the upcoming Barbados Living Lab, which will provide enhanced research capabilities in various areas.

“The continued investment in the Barbados Living Lab, which carries us outside of the narrow confines of only monitoring and diagnosis, but looking also at research, is important to us because we do not believe that our people are just drawers of water and hewers of wood, but our people have the capacity also to be at the cutting edge of the research capabilities that we need in this world to make lives better,” she said.

Mottley also revealed ongoing conversations with pharmaceutical producers to build a regulatory framework for the industry, with the aim of positioning Barbados as more than just a “fill and finish” hub, but a key player in pharmaceutical research and development.

These efforts, according to the PM, are not only aimed at pandemic preparedness but also at preventing brain drain by creating local employment opportunities in the growing healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.

She said: “This country cannot continue to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in ensuring that our citizens can be the best that they can be by studying at the University of the West Indies and then not have opportunities for them to remain in the land of their birth, simply because we do not have the opportunities for them to work.

“The Best-dos Santos Lab immediately presented an opportunity for us to create employment for dozens of persons who have contributed to their own development by making the effort of studying and providing themselves with the skills, only then to be topped up by the international partnerships that we have.”

Prime Minister Mottley added: “We have to continue to see this as an area not just of social stability that is necessary for public health excellence, but also as an investment opportunity so that regulation can become part and parcel of Barbados’ competitive advantage over other countries in the region and the hemisphere.” (SM)

The post ‘Getting ready’ appeared first on Barbados Today.

The deceased, a 51-year-old Guyana national who resides here and whose name has not yet been released, was impaled on a piece of steel when he fell off the 30-40 feet scaffolding. The other man, a 50-year-old, was transported to the hospital via ambulance with complaints of pain to his back and lower extremities.
Police say investigations are continuing into the incident.
Here, emergency officials leave the scene where the incident took place.

(Photo by Haroon Greenidge)

The post Tragic Day appeared first on Barbados Today.

Santiago, DR.- President Luis Abinader participated in the inaugural ceremony of the HOMS Health and Wellness Center (HHWC) on Saturday, marking a significant step towards advancing health tourism in the northern region of the Dominican Republic.

During the event, President Abinader emphasized the country’s robust production matrix, which has fueled growth surpassing many other Latin American nations. He pledged continued support for the development of two key sectors: semiconductors, particularly within free zones, and health tourism.

The President announced forthcoming meetings aimed at establishing a strategic roadmap for the development of health tourism within a month. He underscored the importance of this sector’s growth, asserting that it represents a pivotal aspect of the Dominican Republic’s genuine development.

Acknowledging the significance of a regulatory framework for health tourism, President Abinader stressed the need for high-quality health infrastructure to attract international visitors seeking medical services.

Commending the stakeholders behind the HOMS project, President Abinader recognized its success not only as a business venture but also as a testament to the province and the nation’s commitment to excellence in healthcare. He highlighted the collaborative effort among business leaders as instrumental in fostering development beyond mere profit-seeking.

Accompanying President Abinader were Vice President Raquel Peña, Ministers of Public Health Victor Atallah and of Tourism David Collado, and the HOMS Board of Directors chaired by Dr. Rafael Sánchez Español.

Minister of Public Health emphasized the center’s role in advancing provincial development and positioning the Dominican Republic as a global leader in providing healthcare services to international patients under President Abinader’s leadership.

The Minister of Tourism hailed the HHWC as a cornerstone of health tourism, expressing optimism about Santiago’s potential to spearhead sectoral diversification.

Dr. Sánchez Español, President of the HOMS Board of Directors, lauded the hospital’s 15-year track record of delivering exceptional healthcare and thanked President Abinader for supporting initiatives facilitating its expansion.

The HHWC, strategically located at Santiago’s entrance, represents a significant investment in health infrastructure and is part of HOMS’s expansion plan to evolve into a health city.

Featuring 167 state-of-the-art medical offices, specialized centers, and a Residence Inn by Marriott, the HHWC aims to cater to health and wellness tourists, as well as business and leisure travelers.

Built to international standards with sustainable design and cutting-edge technology, the HHWC signifies a long-term commitment to economic growth, job creation, and the advancement of local skills.

The event concluded with a tour of the complex facilities, attended by government officials, prominent figures from the health and tourism sectors, and members of the Board of Directors, symbolizing a unified commitment to the region’s development.