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West Nile Virus cases rising

Health officials around the country are seeing a rise in West Nile Virus cases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 13 human cases of the virus have been identified so far this year. In 2022, there were 1,126 cases including 90 deaths. The virus is typically spread by infected mosquitos, but it can also be transmitted by handling a dead infected bird.

New suicide hotline struggling to keep up with volume

Since its launch in July 2022, the revamped suicide hotline has fielded over 2 million calls. That’s 45% more than the old hotline. The new hotline has also responded to over 1 million chats and texts. This surge leads to calls going to national backup centers which are less knowledgeable about local services. Call centers are also often underpaid and understaffed. Some experts think these issues are present because the timeline to launch the new number was moved up by half a year. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts dial 988 today.

Ozempic side effects

Type 2 Diabetes drug turned viral weight loss drug Ozempic is rapidly rising in popularity, but many are unaware of potentially serious side effects. One ER doctor reported seeing an uptick in hospital admissions in those who began treatment. Patients are treated for renal failure, gallstones, and blurred vision. More serious side effects include an increased risk of thyroid tumors.