Illinois

Botulism hospitalizations linked to cosmetic procedures in Illinois, other states

Published

2 years ago

April 16, 2024

Botulism hospitalizations linked to cosmetic procedures in Illinois, other states

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is now investigating a series of hospitalizations across nine states, including Illinois, linked to mishandled or counterfeit Botox injections.

The CDC said that it, along with local health departments and the Food and Drug Administration, were investigating reports of 19 people who had experienced symptoms from botulism injections provided by those who may not have had the licensing or training to conduct the procedure, or who were doing so in a non-health care setting. In addition, the products provided may have been counterfeit or came from unverified sources.

More: Illinois issues warning on cosmetic procedures after 2 hospitalized with botulism symptoms

At least 60% of those affected were hospitalized and another four needed to receive a botulism anti-toxin out of concern that the toxin may have spread to areas outside the injection site.

What are the symptoms of botulism?

Those affected reported symptoms such as blurry or double vision, fatigue, difficulty breathing or swallowing, slurred speech, drooping eyelids, dry mouth and generalized weakness.

According to the CDC, all who reported symptoms were women between the ages of 25 and 59, with all but one receiving the injection for a cosmetic purpose.

Illinois and other stakes warn of mishandled or fake Botox

The Illinois Department of Public Health reported last week that at least two people in LaSalle County had reported similar symptoms following a procedure with a licensed nurse acting outside her professional authority. They also warned that medical facilities needed to be on the lookout for others with the same condition.

Other states affected include Colorado, Florida, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee and Washington.

The CDC recommends that people looking to receive Botox injections verify if the medical facility they choose has those licensed to provide Botox injections and if the product provided is approved by the FDA. They also ask that people experiencing symptoms of botulism to contact their medical provider or go to the hospital immediately.

More: When will the cicadas emerge in 2024? Two broods of cicadas to come out in Illinois

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Illinois

Decorated Illinois guard Josh Gesky met with Saints ahead of draft

Published

4 hours ago

March 29, 2026

Press Room

Decorated Illinois guard Josh Gesky met with Saints ahead of draft

Once again, the NFL pre-draft circuit is in full effect, as teams spread out their staff all over the country to try and ensure they view as many pro days as physically possible. With some of the most substantial schools being next up on the schedule, it is going to draw national attention from the media, especially with results from the top prospects and potentially some passing drills from the quarterbacks.

Among the plentiful news coming out of these events is some intriguing meetings from the New Orleans Saints, with one of the most recent being Illinois guard Josh Gesky, who they met with at the school.

Gesky had an extremely impressive 2025 season when it comes to the metrics, allowing only 1 sack and 12 pressures, while only having 1 penalty tied to his name. While his run blocking left a bit to be desired, he has shown promise there in previous years, and it is something he has been solid at in various years.

At 6-foot-5 and 335 pounds, he has great size and has quite a few distinctions during his time at Illinois. He was listed as a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar in 2023, an Academic All-Big Ten from 2022 to 2025, and was an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention from 2023 to 2025. These types of things certainly factor into potential draft selections, and with the Saints needing another guard, Gesky could be an option for them in 2026.

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Illinois

How to buy Illinois Final Four gear, hats, shirts, hoodies, more

Published

16 hours ago

March 28, 2026

Press Room

How to buy Illinois Final Four gear, hats, shirts, hoodies, more

No. 3 Illinois knocked off No. 9 Iowa on Saturday night in Houston, now they’re advancing to the Final Four in the men’s NCAA Tournament.

The Fighting Illini pulled away late and ended their the Hawkeye’s Cinderella run in the Elite Eight with a 71-59 victory.

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Illinois fans know this is special, it’s the team’s first Final Four appearance since 2005, so now it’s time to celebrate.

Get the gear the players wore on the court, including Illinois Final Four hats, Illinois Final Four shirts, and more.

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Illinois Final Four game location

Illinois will play its Final Four game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Get your Illinois Final Four NCAA Tournament tickets now.

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Illinois Final Four appearances

The last time the Illinois Fighting Illini men’s basketball team made the Final Four was in 2005. They also made it in 1989, 1952, 1951 and 1949.

When is the Final Four?

The 2026 NCAA Tournament concludes with the Final Four on Saturday, April 4 and the National Championship game on Monday, April 6. Saturday’s games are scheduled for 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. ET respectively, while the National Championship game is set to tip at 8:30 p.m. ET on Monday, April 6.