Woman behind Botox hospitalisations barred by healthcare watchdogs
A woman suspected of delivering fake Botox injections to three Sydney patients who were later hospitalised has been barred from performing any cosmetic procedures while healthcare watchdogs in NSW and Victoria investigate the mysterious anti-wrinkle substance they warn could pose an ongoing risk to public safety.
The NSW Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC) on Friday named Norsafiza Binti Zakaria – who has also operated under the names Natasha Scha, Zakaria Scha, and Scha Zakaria Beauty Spa – as the non-registered practitioner who injected at least three people with substances she claimed were botulinum toxin at a home in Guildford, in Sydney’s west, on January 11.
Norsafiza Binti Zakaria operates under several aliases including Natasha Scha, Zakaria Scha, and Scha Zakaria Beauty Spa.
One client was treated in intensive care, and two others were admitted to hospital and treated for botulism – a rare and potentially deadly condition caused by a neurotoxic protein derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which is used to make Botox.
The commission issued a public warning alleging Zakaria had unlawfully advertised cosmetic injections via WhatsApp, had performed these procedures in residential premises across NSW and Victoria without the involvement of a registered practitioner, and the substances she injects “may pose an immediate risk” to anyone who has received them.
Commissioner John Tansey said the three recent cases were a “stark reminder” of the danger posed by unqualified people performing cosmetic injections.
“The commission has zero tolerance for unregistered practitioners who put lives at risk by performing cosmetic procedures without the proper qualifications, training, or medical oversight,” Tansey said.
“These unlawful practices can have devastating consequences, and we are taking firm action to protect the public.”
Tansey said the HCCC was working with NSW Health and their Victorian counterparts to determine the full extent of Zakaria’s activities and whether other patients had been affected.
Victorian Health Complaints Commissioner Bernice Redley also issued a health warning on Friday, alleging Zakaria had the “potential to cause harm to patients in Victoria”.
Zakaria’s social media profiles state she lives in Melbourne. She did not respond to multiple attempts to contact her on Friday.
Previous cases of botulism linked to Botox injections have been attributed to counterfeit or mishandled Botox delivered by unlicensed or inexperienced injectors. Incorrect dosages and poor technique can cause the toxin to enter the bloodstream.
Symptoms of botulism can appear for up to two weeks following injections and may include progressive weakness, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), drooping eyelids (ptosis), blurred or double vision (diplopia) and difficulty breathing.
Fewer than 50 cases of botulism have been confirmed in Australia since 1998. Babies under 12 months account for the bulk of cases due to the immature gut not yet developing natural defences against Clostridium botulinum spores that can be found in contaminated dust, soil and raw honey.
With Kate Aubusson
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