Summary

The Texas measles outbreak has grown to 327 cases, with 18 new infections confirmed in the past five days, according to state health officials.

Most cases involve unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status.

At least 40 people have been hospitalized, and two deaths are suspected, including one confirmed fatality of an unvaccinated child.

The outbreak's epicenter is in Gaines County, with nearby states also reporting cases. The CDC has reported 378 cases nationwide this year, 95% of which involve unvaccinated individuals.

Summary

A 30-year study published in Nature Medicine found that eating a primarily plant-based diet with minimal processed food significantly increases the chances of reaching age 70 without chronic diseases.

Researchers analyzed over 105,000 people’s diets and found that less than 10% achieved "healthy aging."

Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low in processed meats—like the Mediterranean and Alternative Healthy Eating Index diets—showed the strongest benefits.

Experts emphasize combining healthy eating with exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking.

Summary

After Texas banned abortion in 2021, sepsis rates among women hospitalized for second-trimester pregnancy loss rose over 50%, with maternal deaths increasing 33% from 2019 to 2023.

ProPublica’s analysis found that sepsis risk surged when the fetus still had a heartbeat, as doctors hesitated to intervene due to legal fears.

Maternal health experts warn that abortion bans delay critical care, endangering women’s lives.

Texas lawmakers, facing mounting evidence and public pressure, are considering amending the law to better protect patients, but changes remain uncertain.

Summary

As ADHD awareness grows, TikTok has become a popular platform for sharing experiences, with ADHD-related hashtags amassing hundreds of millions of views.

However, a new study found that less than half of top ADHD videos on TikTok accurately reflect diagnostic criteria, often oversimplifying symptoms and spreading misinformation.

Excessive viewing of these videos can worsen perceptions of personal symptoms and inflate perceived prevalence rates to 30%, far above the actual 5-6%.

Experts caution that misleading content may prompt unnecessary self-diagnoses and treatments, but acknowledge social media addresses a need for awareness and support.

Summary

Measles cases are surging in the US, with 378 confirmed in early 2025, surpassing last year's 285 cases.

Texas remains the epicenter with 309 cases, 40 hospitalizations, and one child death. New Mexico and Oklahoma report 42 and four cases, respectively. Ohio, Maryland, and Alabama have also reported new cases linked to international travel.

Vaccine misinformation, fueled by figures like Robert F Kennedy Jr., contributes to hesitancy, particularly in Texas.

Health officials warn the outbreak may persist for a year without widespread vaccination, despite efforts to increase immunization rates.

Summary

HPV-related cervical cancer rates are rising among U.S. women in their 30s and 40s, partly due to declining screening rates.

Screenings fell from 47% in 2019 to 41% in 2023, especially in rural areas, where women are 42% more likely to die from the disease.

Vaccine hesitancy remains high, with only 61% of adolescents fully vaccinated. Despite proven safety and effectiveness, HPV vaccination rates lag amid misinformation.

Health experts stress regular screening and vaccination to reduce risks, as most HPV infections resolve without progressing to cancer.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.dbzer0.com/post/40489702

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE83i5yn_YQ1HnFO027BnnQ

Summary

A study using UK Biobank data found that people with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes face significantly higher risks of liver and pancreatic cancers.

Women had nearly double the risk of pancreatic cancer and almost five times the risk of liver cancer, while men faced a 74% increase in pancreatic cancer and nearly four times the risk of liver cancer.

Bowel cancer risk also rose modestly.

Researchers attribute the link to high insulin levels, high blood glucose, and chronic inflammation. Experts emphasize lifestyle changes to reduce cancer risks.

Summary

A measles outbreak has emerged in Kansas, spreading rapidly in undervaccinated counties.

As of March 21, ten cases have been reported across Stevens, Morton, and Grant counties. The outbreak began in Stevens County, which has low vaccination rates among kindergartners (80-83%), far below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity.

Health officials warn the situation is fluid, with more cases pending.

The outbreak is linked to an ongoing Texas outbreak that has affected neighboring states. Experts fear the U.S. may lose its measles elimination status as cases surge nationwide.

Summary

The parents of a 6-year-old unvaccinated Texas girl who died from measles stated in an interview that the disease “wasn’t that bad” despite her death.

The family belongs to a Mennonite community and remains opposed to the MMR vaccine, citing perceived risks. Four other siblings contracted milder cases.

Health officials and public figures, including RFK Jr., urged vaccination to curb the outbreak. The girl’s symptoms worsened to pneumonia before she died in intensive care.

The case marks the first U.S. child measles death in nearly a decade.

Summary

The Montana medical board renewed Dr. Thomas C. Weiner’s license twice despite evidence of patient harm, including overprescribing narcotics and administering chemotherapy to non-cancer patients.

Documents detailing at least 10 suspicious deaths have been in the board’s possession since 2021. The board did not elevate the case for full review, and staff inquiries stalled.

Some patients and families expressed outrage, while the Department of Justice launched a criminal investigation.

Weiner, who denies wrongdoing, lost a legal appeal but somehow remains popular among some community members.

Summary

Chronic wasting disease (CWD), an incurable and fatal prion disease affecting deer, elk, moose, and reindeer, is spreading across 36 US states and other countries.

Scientists warn of a potential human spillover crisis, with tens of thousands likely consuming infected venison. Experts criticize labeling it "zombie deer disease" as it downplays the threat.

Concerns include contamination through carcass transport and feedgrounds. Calls grow for better surveillance and prevention, but conflicting policies and resistance to reducing wildlife feedgrounds hinder efforts.

Summary

In February, a 6-year-old Texan became the first U.S. child to die from measles in two decades. Instead of serving as a warning about vaccine hesitancy, anti-vaccine groups have weaponized her story.

The girl's grieving Mennonite parents gave an interview to Children's Health Defense, claiming measles is "not as bad" and advising others against vaccination.

A measles outbreak has spread through their Texas community, sickening over 190 people.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., now HHS secretary, has used his platform to spread misinformation about vaccines while alternative practitioners promote unproven treatments.

Summary

The FDA is halting production of compounded tirzepatide, a cheaper alternative to Eli Lilly’s obesity drug Zepbound, as it declares the shortage over.

Patients who relied on compounded versions, like fear losing access due to high brand-name costs. Some are stockpiling, while others consider risky gray-market sources.

Compounding pharmacies will stop production but can sell remaining stock.

Critics argue that Eli Lilly's discount programs are insufficient, leaving many unable to afford the branded medication.

Summary

Trump’s EPA announced plans to roll back 31 environmental regulations, including clean air and water protections, sparking backlash from experts and advocates.

The repealed rules were projected to prevent nearly 200,000 deaths and save $254 billion annually in healthcare costs. Critics warn deregulation will increase respiratory diseases, heart attacks, and pollution-related deaths, especially among children.

The EPA also faces deep budget cuts and staff reductions, raising concerns it will not enforce existing protections.

Environmental groups vow legal challenges, calling the move disastrous for public health.

Summary

The USDA will invest up to $100 million to fund research into therapies and potential vaccines for bird flu, which has killed nearly 170 million birds since 2022.

The funding targets vaccine makers, states, universities, and other entities. The U.S. will also import more eggs from South Korea to lower prices.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins discussed virus containment with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who opposes vaccination.

The USDA continues to mandate culling infected flocks and is seeking vaccine candidates matched to circulating variants.

Summary

IVF patients face limited legal protections and oversight after devastating mistakes, like embryo mix-ups and equipment failures.

A lack of federal regulation means clinics aren’t held to the same standards as hospitals, and most errors are treated as negligence rather than malpractice.

NBC found over 300 related lawsuits from 2019 to 2024. Calls for stricter regulations grow amid concerns that IVF mishaps are underreported.

However, increased oversight risks sparking debates over embryo rights and complicating access. Trump’s executive order seeks to reduce IVF costs.

Summary

Purdue Pharma filed a revised bankruptcy plan to finalize a $7.4 billion opioid settlement after the U.S. Supreme Court blocked a previous deal.

The plan increases the Sackler family’s contribution to up to $7 billion but allows creditors to opt out and sue the Sacklers directly.

Purdue will pay $900 million and become a public benefit company.

The settlement allocates $850 million to individuals harmed by opioids, with most funds directed to states and communities for addiction treatment and prevention programs.