CDC Reports Fourth Death Blamed on Contaminated Eye Drops
An outbreak of deadly ocular infections, which have cost some people their vision and even their life, has been traced to contaminated eye drops.
More Marijuana More Problems for Young Children Part 2: Additional Problems for the Aforementioned Children
A recent study found that young children are increasingly being harmed by accidental ingestion of cannabis in the form of edibles.
Children and COVID-19: A Few Facts and Figures from the Pandemic’s First Three Years
After three solid years of the pandemic, here is an admittedly incomplete rundown of how it has affected children in the United States.
Lithium in Tap Water Probably Doesn’t Cause Autism
A recent study found an association between lithium in tap water and a diagnosis of autism in Danish children. Is it time to turn off the tap and grab the bottled water? Not so fast.
Was the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic to Blame for an Increase in Unexpected Infant Deaths in 2020?
New CDC data on unexpected infant deaths in 2020 show an increase, but only in Black infants. There is a good chance that this is an indirect result of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
Science-Based Satire: Florida Authorities Report First Case of Mosquito-Borne Fentanyl Overdose
Can a mosquito bite result in a fentanyl overdose? Will police soon be fitted with wearable naloxone pumps? Can fentanyl be detected by a handheld electronic device? The answer...is no. This is merely more nonsense cooked up in the mind of someone who probably should stick to his day job.
Pertussis Vaccine During Pregnancy Protects Vulnerable Newborns
Getting a dose of pertussis vaccine during every pregnancy is a strategy that has prevented severe disease in thousands of young infants over the past decade, and saved hundreds of sweet little baby lives. The evidence is clear, but not everyone who is eligible is receiving the recommended dose.
Vibrating Pills for Constipation: Safe and Effective or Bowel-Shaking Earthquakes of Doubt and Remorse*
A vibrating pill designed to treat chronic constipation is now available by prescription. It will likely help some people, and it's safe, but it isn't a game changer.
There is really nothing super about Antibiotic Resistant Gonorrhea
Reports out of Massachusetts are raising concerns of a highly resistant strain of gonorrhea being seen for the first time in the United States. Are we close to living in a reality where there are no more effective treatments for this nasty, and potentially deadly, infection?
Miscellany of Medical Malarkey Part 6
The Ohio measles outbreak is (hopefully) winding down. Vaccine rates among American Kindergartners are dropping. A new cure for sickle cell disease might not reach everyone who needs it. All that, and acupuncture for deadly infections? It appears that the miscellany of medical malarkey has returned again once more!