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Public Health Crisis

All articles tagged with #public health crisis

public-health1 year ago

Animal Tranquilizer in Street Drugs Sparks Overdose Crisis in SF

U.S. drug gangs are mixing the potent sedative medetomidine into street drugs like fentanyl, causing a surge in overdoses and severe health complications. This new combination, which began causing mass overdoses in late April, is difficult to detect and treat, complicating medical responses. Public health officials are issuing warnings as the toxic drug supply grows more dangerous, with similar outbreaks reported in Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Toronto. Experts are urging better preparedness for emergency treatments and cautioning drug users about the heightened risks.

via NPR|
#medetomidine#overdoses#public-health
health-crime1 year ago

Sierra Leone Declares National Emergency Due to 'Zombie' Kush Epidemic

In Sierra Leone, the homemade drug kush, made from a mixture that includes ground-up human bones, has become a national emergency, leading to a surge in addiction and deaths among young men. President Julius Maada Bio addressed the issue as a grave threat, with police guarding cemeteries to prevent bone theft. The drug, which induces a lengthy and hypnotic high, has caused a 4,000% increase in psychiatric hospital admissions and led to hundreds of deaths from organ failure. The country's only rehab center struggles to accommodate the growing number of addicts, leaving many homeless and trapped in a cycle of addiction.

via New York Post |
#addiction#drug-abuse#health-crime
social-issues1 year ago

"Portland Café Owner Warns of Drug Crisis After Oregon Reverses Decriminalization Law"

A Portland café owner warns that the city is ill-equipped to help drug addicts following the reversal of Oregon's 2020 drug decriminalization law, which led to a surge in addiction and overdose deaths. The new law makes personal drug possession a misdemeanor punishable by jail time, but the owner doubts its effectiveness. She criticizes the lack of assistance from city officials and highlights the struggles of law enforcement in addressing the issue. The previous law directed cannabis tax revenue towards addiction services, but state auditors found challenges in setting up the new treatment system. Democratic leaders have declared a state of emergency for downtown Portland due to the public health and safety crisis.

via Fox News|
#addiction-services#drug-decriminalization#oregon
health-public-health1 year ago

"2022 Sees Record-Breaking Drug Overdose Deaths, CDC Reports"

The CDC revealed that drug overdose deaths in the US reached a record high of 107,941 in 2022, marking a 1% increase from the previous year. While overdose deaths declined for women, they continued to rise for men, who account for about 70% of such deaths. American Indian and Alaskan Native populations saw a 15% increase in overdose death rates, while deaths from synthetic opioids like fentanyl doubled in the last five years. The nation's response to the epidemic includes initiatives like anti-OD devices in New York City apartments and "safe" drug injection sites.

via New York Post |
#cdc#drug-overdose#health-public-health
health-public-health1 year ago

"Measles Mayhem: Outbreaks Spread Across 17 States, Threatening US Elimination Status"

America is facing a potential measles outbreak, with cases in the first two months of 2024 nearly surpassing the total for 2023. Hundreds are feared infected in California and Arizona, with concerns over an outbreak at a migrant shelter in Chicago. Vaccination rates have dropped, leaving the US vulnerable, especially with the influx of migrants. Measles, a highly contagious virus, can lead to severe complications and even death. Health officials are urging vaccination and taking precautions to prevent a public health crisis.

via Daily Mail|
#contagious-virus#health-public-health#measles-outbreak
health-environment1 year ago

"Dengue Emergency: Brazil's Battle and the Promise of a Local Vaccine"

Brazil is facing a staggering dengue fever crisis, with the disease spreading rapidly across South America due to rising temperatures from climate change. The outbreak has led to states declaring a state of emergency and the construction of a field hospital in Brasília. Dengue fever is now creeping into new areas and surging to unprecedented levels in Brazil, with epidemiologists warning that the disease could become increasingly prevalent in southern Europe and the southern United States. The simultaneous circulation of all four types of dengue fever and chronic social issues like inequality and poverty have exacerbated the crisis in Brazil, overwhelming the healthcare system and leaving patients without adequate care.

via The Washington Post|
#aedes-aegypti-mosquito#brazil#climate-change
politics1 year ago

Oregon Reverses Drug Decriminalization Law as Overdose Deaths Rise

Oregon lawmakers have voted to reintroduce criminal penalties for the possession of hard drugs, effectively ending the state's three-year decriminalization experiment. The new law makes minor drug possession a misdemeanor and allocates millions of dollars toward specialty court programs, mental health, and addiction treatment. Despite concerns about racial disparities and the impact on marginalized communities, proponents argue that the measure is necessary to address the fentanyl crisis and public drug use. Critics argue that restoring criminal penalties may not effectively address drug use and could exacerbate existing inequalities.

via The Guardian US|
#addiction-treatment#criminal-penalties#drug-decriminalization
health1 year ago

"Loneliness Declared Health Emergency in Silicon Valley County"

San Mateo County in California has become the first in the U.S. to declare loneliness a public health crisis, acknowledging its serious health consequences and impact on residents. The county's Board of Supervisors passed a resolution to explore measures promoting social connection, inspired by efforts in the U.K. and Japan. With a high rate of loneliness among its residents, particularly older adults, the county is seeking ways to address the issue, including potential partnerships with social media platforms and a call for a state-appointed "minister of loneliness." While the exact solutions remain uncertain, the move reflects a growing recognition of the importance of socialization for overall health.

via NBC News|
#california#health#loneliness
health1 year ago

"Rising Syphilis Cases in the US Prompt CDC Alarm and Federal Action"

The CDC has reported a staggering 80% increase in syphilis cases in the US since 2018, reaching the highest level in over 70 years. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra has declared the situation "unacceptable" and a "critical" public health crisis. The disease, known as "The Great Pretender," can lead to severe health issues if left untreated and is disproportionately affecting certain demographics. The surge in syphilis cases comes amid an "out of control" STD epidemic, with gonorrhea cases also spiking by 28% in 2021.

via New York Post |
#cdc#health#health-and-human-services
public-health-crisis1 year ago

"Portland Declares 90-Day State of Emergency to Combat Fentanyl Crisis"

Oregon leaders, including Gov. Tina Kotek, declared a 90-day state of emergency in downtown Portland to address the deadly fentanyl crisis, citing a significant increase in opioid overdose deaths. The emergency order will allocate resources for public health campaigns, increased outreach for treatment and recovery services, and collaboration between law enforcement agencies to hold drug sellers accountable. The move comes in response to a surge in fentanyl-related deaths and overdoses, with the state experiencing a drastic increase in opioid overdose deaths from 280 in 2019 to 956 in 2022.

via CNN|
#fentanyl-crisis#opioid-overdose#oregon
health1 year ago

"Alarming Surge: Syphilis Cases Soar in U.S. Amid Funding Threats"

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a sharp rise in syphilis cases among women in the U.S., with nearly a quarter of cases diagnosed in women in 2022, signaling an "alarming" resurgence of the sexually transmitted infection spreading among heterosexual couples. The number of syphilis cases in women climbed 19.5% in 2022, reaching 14,652 cases, while the overall nationwide cases totaled 59,016. Health officials have expressed concerns about the worsening syphilis epidemic, especially among Black and American Indian populations, and emphasized the need for robust public health systems, tailored prevention strategies, and improved diagnosis and treatment efforts to curb the epidemic. The CDC also highlighted a shortage of a key treatment and funding cuts as contributing factors to the crisis.

via CBS News|
#cdc#health#public-health-crisis
public-health-crisis1 year ago

"Portland Leaders Declare 90-Day Fentanyl State of Emergency"

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson, and Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler have jointly declared a 90-day state of emergency to address the fentanyl crisis in Portland, following a recommendation from the Portland Central City Task Force. The emergency orders will enable the state, county, and city to allocate resources for a unified response, with a command center to be established in the central city for coordination. The leaders emphasized the need for urgent and collaborative action to combat the deadly and addictive nature of fentanyl and its impact on the community.

via KATU|
#fentanyl#multnomah-county#oregon
health2 years ago

"FDA Permits Import of Syphilis Drug to Address Nationwide Shortage"

The FDA is allowing the temporary importation of a French syphilis medication to address the ongoing shortage of the front-line treatment, Bicillin, in the US. The shortage has led to delays in treatment, particularly for pregnant women, amid a significant rise in syphilis cases, including a 700% increase in congenital syphilis in babies. The move comes after public health groups urged action on the shortage, as syphilis cases in the US have jumped about 74% from 2017 to 2021.

via CNN|
#drug-shortage#fda#health
health2 years ago

Addressing the American Trauma System's Public Health Crisis: Saving Lives through Improved Access and Treatment

The American trauma system is facing a public health crisis as tens of thousands of patients die each year from wounds that could have been survivable with timely treatment. Dr. Donald Jenkins, a trauma surgeon, has pioneered a blood program in San Antonio that provides blood transfusions to critically injured patients on the way to the hospital. The program has been successful in improving survival rates for trauma patients, and its model has been replicated in other cities across the U.S. However, inadequate federal funding and lack of attention from elected officials have hindered major reforms in the trauma system, resulting in poor outcomes for patients.

via The Dallas Morning News|
#blood-transfusions#emergency-medical-services#health
international-affairs2 years ago

"WHO: Disease Poses Greater Threat than Bombs in Gaza, Urgent Action Needed"

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that more people in Gaza could die from health problems, such as infectious diseases, than from aerial strikes during the Israel-Hamas war. The war has caused a public health crisis in Gaza, with a collapsed health system and unlivable conditions. The lack of potable water supplies, sanitation, and medical access has created a recipe for epidemics, as displaced Palestinians are forced to take shelter in cramped homes and camps. The WHO is urging immediate action to restore the health system, provide running water, and reconstruct shelters to prevent a higher death toll from disease. The White House is prioritizing the delivery of vaccines, medical goods, and essential supplies to Gaza to address the health concerns.

via Fox News|
#gaza#infectious-diseases#international-affairs