Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Poison Control Centers Report Spike In Calls Over Cattle Drug Ivermectin
USA Today: Ivermectin Shortages And Related Poison Control Calls Concern Experts
Poison control centers across the nation have received an uptick in calls about the drug ivermectin, an anti-parasitic medicine often used to treat cattle and pigs. Gaylord Lopez, executive director for the Georgia Poison Control Center, told USA TODAY they have already received 15 to 16 calls in August compared to the typical one call a month. Lopez said one woman called the center after purchasing the sheep version but didn't have any side effects. Others have called the center and reported significant symptoms ranging from extreme vomiting to blurred vision, he added. (Gilbert, 8/25)
WFAA: Texas Sees 550% Spike In Poison Calls For Horse And Cow Dewormer, Despite FDA Warning
The North Texas Poison Center reports they’ve received 52 poisoning calls for ivermectin this year, compared to six through August of last year. The numbers are increasing, too. Sixteen of the 52 calls this year have been in August. In August of 2020, Texas received two reports about ivermectin poisoning statewide. This August, they’ve received 55.Last year, the state received 23 ivermectin reports from January through August. This year, there have been 150, an increase of 552%. (Joy, 8/25)
The Washington Post: Arkansas Jail Gives Detainees Ivermectin For Covid-19 Despite FDA Warnings Over Drug
An Arkansas jail and its health-care provider are facing criticisms of “medical experimentation” because the jail’s medical staff has been treating covid-19 patients with ivermectin, a drug commonly used for deworming livestock. Washington County Justice of the Peace Eva Madison (D) said she heard reports of the practice Tuesday after a county employee visited a Karas Health Care coronavirus testing site at the Washington County Detention Center in Fayetteville and was prescribed ivermectin despite testing negative for the coronavirus. (Bellware, 8/25)
AP: Alaska Mayor Promotes Debunked Treatment For COVID-19
An Alaska borough mayor, who says he is not a medical professional, has promoted a debunked treatment for COVID-19 that is intended more for farm animals. Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Charlie Pierce has publicly backed the use of ivermectin, an anti-parasitic deworming drug, the Peninsula Clarion reported Wednesday. (8/25)
