>> Infections and more on track
>> Medications: red light, green light
>> Frostbite, headaches, and elbows
The Med & Mic™ 3.11.24 – 3.15.24
A medical news blog post
from the author of “Scoop, MD”
This Week In Medical News
In public health news…
More Measles This Year
Last week, 15 states and New York City had 41 confirmed cases of measles, on track to surpass the 58 cases reported in 2023. (The Hill, J.Choi, 3.08.24)
Expanded Airport Screenings
The CDC has added Chicago’s O’Hare and Miami to the existing six airports participating in its infectious diseases surveillance program. International travelers volunteer to have their noses swabbed and answer questions about their travel. (AP, M. Stobbe, 3.12.24)
High School Seniors and Cannabis
In an in-school survey, 11.4% of high school seniors said they have used delta-8 THC in the past year. This form of cannabis is less potent and has fewer legal restrictions. It comes in gummies, chocolates, cookies, sodas, and cereals. (CNN, J. Christensen, 3.13.24)
In medication news…
Weight Loss Drug Approved for People Without Diabetes
The FDA has approved Wegovy for lowering heart attack and stroke risk in people who are overweight or obese but do not have diabetes. (Reuters, P. Wingrove and S. Roy, 3.11.24)
Approved ALS Drug Fails
The ALS drug Relyvrio failed to beat placebo on a variety of measures in a pivotal study. Under pressure from patient groups to sanction the medicine, the FDA granted approval to the $158,000-per-year drug in 2022. The drug company’s founder promised to take the drug off the market if studies failed to confirm the drug’s effectiveness. (Bloomberg, R.Langreth and F. Rutherford, 3.13.24)
In extraordinary medical news…
Frostbitten Fans Lose Digits
Twelve people, including fans who attended the Kansas City Chiefs playoff game in 4 degree weather, had amputations of fingers and toes at Research Medical Center in Kansas City during an 11-day cold snap in January. (AP, H. Hollingsworth and AM Stapleton, 3.10.24)
Headaches from Parasite
In a 52-year-old man with worsening migraines, a CT scan showed he had parasitic cysts in his brain. The neurocysticercosis was thought to be related to the patient’s lifelong habit of eating lightly cooked, non-crispy bacon. (NBC News, K.Itoh, 3.12.24)
Sports Medicine Advancement Turns 50
In 1974, Dr. Frank Jobe reconstructed a torn ulnar collateral ligament that allowed baseball player Tommy John to play 14 more years after what would have been a career-ending injury. (AP, J. Cohen, 3.13.24)
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Remember: this post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis, or the advice of your own physician. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.