Latest news with #UniversityofMichigan
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Neurologist warns of serious issues which can be triggered by playing with cute pet owned by millions
A leading neurologist has issued an urgent warning over the little-known risks of cat scratches after a teenage girl was left unable to walk. Dr Baibing Chen, from the University of Michigan, shared the warning on TikTok, stating that cats can harbour dangerous bacteria that could pose a serious threat to owners. In the video, which has been viewed over 124,000 times, he urged his followers to seek immediate medical attention if they experience any unusual symptoms after being scratched, bitten or even licked by a cat. Speaking about the one thing he would 'never ignore', Dr Chen said: 'I once saw a teenage patient who developed sudden confusion, severe headaches and trouble walking.' The patient also presented with extreme fatigue and coordination issues, which her parents described as unusual. The clinical instructor added: 'We also noticed a decrease in her vision in one eye. Further investigation showed it was inflammation of the optic nerve and the retina which explained her vision loss.' But doctors could not come up with a diagnosis that could explain her symptoms after ruling out the 'usual suspects' including stroke, meningitis and autoimmune disease—all of which can cause neurological disturbances. 'It wasn't until we noticed a few scratches on her arm that we asked about any recent injuries or exposures and that's when her mother mentioned they had recently adopted a kitten. 'This detail was key leading to the confirmation of bartonella henselae infection—the bacteria that causes cat scratch disease.' The disease can spread to humans through a scratch contaminated with flea feces—most commonly from kittens. Infected cats can also spread the bacteria by licking a person's open wound. Cat scratch disease most commonly affects children under the age of 15 who are less likely to wash their hands after interacting with their pet cat. It's estimated that there are approximately 12.5 million pet cats in the UK, with nearly 30 per cent of British households having at least one cat. In the US, 37 per cent of households have at least one cat. Figures estimate the US' total cat population stands at 73.8 million. Dr Chen said: 'Most people with this infection experience mild symptoms like swollen lymph nodes, fever and fatigue, but in rare cases this condition can affect the nervous system and eyes.' Rarely, according to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this can develop into infections of the liver, spleen, brain, bones and even heart—a condition known as endocarditis. Whilst most scratches do not result in CSD, Dr Chen said it's best to stay vigilant and keep scratch wounds clean and keep an eye out for tell-tale symptoms including a fever, swollen lymph nodes and a pustule near the scratch. These more extreme reactions tend to occur in people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, elderly people or those with HIV. However, the risk of infection can be minimised through keeping cats indoors and away from stray cats who are more likely to carry diseases. But, he said this does not mean you should stay away from your cat. 'This case is a reminder that something as seemingly harmless as a playful scratch can in rare cases lead to serious health issues. 'The key here is awareness. If a scratch, bite or lick is followed by unusual symptoms like persistent headaches, vision changes or confusion sharing the detail with your doctor can make all the difference.' The warning comes as Britain was rocked by fresh rabies fears back in June, after a woman died after catching the virus on holiday in Morocco. Health officials revealed that the grandmother, Yvonne Ford, 59, contracted the illness following contact with a stray dog. There have been less than 10 cases of human rabies associated with animal exposures abroad reported in the UK since 2000. However, the UKHSA stressed there was 'no risk to the wider public' given there is 'no documented evidence of rabies passing between people'.
The Guardian
10 hours ago
- Politics
- The Guardian
Trump administration opens inquiry into universities over Daca scholarships
The Trump administration's Department of Education announced on Wednesday that it has opened national-origin discrimination investigations into five US universities over what it described as 'alleged exclusionary scholarships referencing foreign-born students'. According to the announcement, the department's office for civil rights has opened investigations into the University of Louisville, the University of Nebraska Omaha, the University of Miami, the University of Michigan and Western Michigan University. The department said that the investigations will determine whether these universities are granting scholarships exclusively to students who are recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (Daca) program, who came to the US as children, or who are undocumented 'in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964's (Title VI) prohibition against national origin discrimination'. The investigation stems from complaints submitted by the Legal Insurrection Foundation's Equal Protection Project, a conservative legal group. The group alleges in the complaints that certain scholarships at these schools are limited to students with Daca status or who are undocumented, which they argue is in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 'and its implementing regulations by illegally discriminating against students based on their national origin'. In a post on X announcing the investigations on Wednesday, the education secretary, Linda McMahon, said that 'non-citizens should not be given special preference over American citizens for scholarships at American universities'. In addition to those scholarships, the education department's office for civil rights said on Wednesday that the investigations would also 'examine additional scholarships that appear to exclude students based on other aspects of Title VI, including race and color'. The education department's announcement on Wednesday came shortly after the US state department said it had launched a new investigation into Harvard University's 'continued eligibility' as a sponsor in a government-run visa program for international students and professors. In the announcement, the statement department wrote: 'To maintain their privilege to sponsor exchange visitors, sponsors must comply with all regulations, including conducting their programs in a manner that does not undermine the foreign policy objectives or compromise the national security interests of the United States.' 'The investigation will ensure that State Department programs do not run contrary to our nation's interests,' the announcement added. Sign up to This Week in Trumpland A deep dive into the policies, controversies and oddities surrounding the Trump administration after newsletter promotion Earlier this week, lawyers representing Harvard University and the Trump administration appeared in federal court for a hearing over the administration's decision to cut billions in federal funding to the university – an action that Harvard has argued is unlawful. The Trump administration has taken various steps to restrict the entry of foreign students to the US. It has attempted to ban Harvard from enrolling them at all in a move blocked last month by the same federal judge overseeing the case over funding cuts to the university, and announced new rules scrutinizing the social media presence of international students applying for US visas.
CNN
13 hours ago
- Politics
- CNN
Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights initiates investigation into 5 universities over DACA scholarships
Five universities are under investigation by the US Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights for providing scholarships to undocumented immigrants enrolled in the Obama-era DACA program, according to a statement from the Department of Education Wednesday. DACA, or the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, allows hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants brought to the US as children to live, work and pursue an education in the country. The department's investigation focuses on scholarships for DACA students but also includes LGBTQ+ students of color, Latin or Hispanic, African American, Native American or other minority students, the agency said in a statement. The schools under scrutiny are the University of Louisville, the University of Nebraska Omaha, the University of Miami, the University of Michigan and Western Michigan University. 'The investigations will determine whether these universities are granting scholarships only for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or 'undocumented' students, in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964's (Title VI) prohibition against national origin discrimination,' the Department of Education said. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act bans any institution receiving federal funds from discriminating based on race, color and national origin. The investigations into the universities were launched following complaints from the conservative nonprofit Legal Insurrection Foundation's Equal Protection Project. 'Protecting equal access to education includes protecting the rights of American-born students. At the Equal Protection Project, we are gratified that the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights is acting on our complaints regarding scholarships that excluded American-born students,' said William A. Jacobson, founder of the Equal Protection Project. 'Discrimination against American-born students must not be tolerated.' Calls and emails to the University of Nebraska Omaha, the University of Miami and Western Michigan University were not immediately returned. John Karman, the University of Louisville's interim vice president for communications and marketing, told CNN, 'The university was just notified of the investigation yesterday. We are reviewing the claims.' Kay Jarvis, the University of Michigan's director of public affairs, said in a statement to CNN, 'The university has received a letter of notification relating to this matter. We have no further comment.' The Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights office works to protect students by holding schools and colleges that receive federal funds accountable for combating antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism and discrimination against students with disabilities. Efforts to dismantle the department are underway and the agency's civil rights office has been hit hard by a combination of layoffs and voluntary 'buyouts.' What will happen to the office is still uncertain, but employees within the office have told CNN they are extremely concerned about their ability to process the claims effectively with half of the staff. Earlier this year, the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights sent letters to dozens of colleges and universities it says are under investigation for alleged violations 'relating to antisemitic harassment and discrimination,' warning institutions of possible consequences if they don't take adequate steps to protect Jewish students. CNN's Karina Tsui, Elizabeth Wolfe and Shania Shelton contributed to this report.
CNN
13 hours ago
- Politics
- CNN
Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights initiates investigation into 5 universities over DACA scholarships
Five universities are under investigation by the US Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights for providing scholarships to undocumented immigrants enrolled in the Obama-era DACA program, according to a statement from the Department of Education Wednesday. DACA, or the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, allows hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants brought to the US as children to live, work and pursue an education in the country. The department's investigation focuses on scholarships for DACA students but also includes LGBTQ+ students of color, Latin or Hispanic, African American, Native American or other minority students, the agency said in a statement. The schools under scrutiny are the University of Louisville, the University of Nebraska Omaha, the University of Miami, the University of Michigan and Western Michigan University. 'The investigations will determine whether these universities are granting scholarships only for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or 'undocumented' students, in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964's (Title VI) prohibition against national origin discrimination,' the Department of Education said. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act bans any institution receiving federal funds from discriminating based on race, color and national origin. The investigations into the universities were launched following complaints from the conservative nonprofit Legal Insurrection Foundation's Equal Protection Project. 'Protecting equal access to education includes protecting the rights of American-born students. At the Equal Protection Project, we are gratified that the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights is acting on our complaints regarding scholarships that excluded American-born students,' said William A. Jacobson, founder of the Equal Protection Project. 'Discrimination against American-born students must not be tolerated.' Calls and emails to the University of Nebraska Omaha, the University of Miami and Western Michigan University were not immediately returned. John Karman, the University of Louisville's interim vice president for communications and marketing, told CNN, 'The university was just notified of the investigation yesterday. We are reviewing the claims.' Kay Jarvis, the University of Michigan's director of public affairs, said in a statement to CNN, 'The university has received a letter of notification relating to this matter. We have no further comment.' The Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights office works to protect students by holding schools and colleges that receive federal funds accountable for combating antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism and discrimination against students with disabilities. Efforts to dismantle the department are underway and the agency's civil rights office has been hit hard by a combination of layoffs and voluntary 'buyouts.' What will happen to the office is still uncertain, but employees within the office have told CNN they are extremely concerned about their ability to process the claims effectively with half of the staff. Earlier this year, the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights sent letters to dozens of colleges and universities it says are under investigation for alleged violations 'relating to antisemitic harassment and discrimination,' warning institutions of possible consequences if they don't take adequate steps to protect Jewish students. CNN's Karina Tsui, Elizabeth Wolfe and Shania Shelton contributed to this report.
The Independent
17 hours ago
- Health
- The Independent
Urgent care clinics are pushing pain pills that do little to treat conditions, new study finds
Urgent care clinics are reportedly pushing pills that do little to treat patients' medical conditions. Researchers said Tuesday that a substantial number of antibiotic, glucocorticoid, and opioid prescriptions were filled despite being deemed inappropriate given the patients' diagnoses — potentially resulting in harm. Antibiotics are commonly used to treat infections, glucocorticoids are steroids that can treat arthritis and asthma, and opioids are prescribed to treat pain. America's opioid epidemic, which has led to thousands of deaths, has been tied to an increase in painkiller prescriptions. "Previous studies had shown that patients continue to receive antibiotics for diagnoses where they may not be indicated, such as for a viral respiratory infection, especially in urgent care settings,' Dr. Shirley Cohen-Mekelburg, an assistant professor at the University of Michigan Medical School, said in a statement. 'Our findings reveal that this trend of inappropriate prescribing includes other classes of drugs — including glucocorticoids — and a variety of conditions.' The reason for these findings, they suggest, is tied to the knowledge of clinic doctors, demand from patients, and a lack of an information system to support the clinicians' decisions. "I think that opioids are generally overprescribed when the medical staff under appreciates the risks," Dr. Andrew Kolodny, medical director of the Opioid Policy Research Collaborative at Brandeis University, told MedPage Today. "If the clinicians understood that their prescriptions were more likely to harm patients than help them, I think they'd prescribe more cautiously." Kolodny, who was not involved in the study, said that while opioid prescribing in general has been improving, data shows that 'we've got a long way to go when it comes to urgent care settings.' There are currently more than 14,000 urgent care centers located across the U.S.. They exist to bridge the gap between primary and emergency care, the Urgent Care Association notes. Many of these clinics have their own pharmacies and accept most insurance plans, according to the The American Journal of Managed Care. Using data from more than 22 million urgent care visits between 2018 to 2022, the researchers found that the visits resulted in nearly 2.8 million antibiotic prescriptions, more than 2 million prescriptions of glucocorticoids, and 299,210 opioid prescriptions. Of those, the fractions of the cases were categorized as 'never appropriate' or 'generally inappropriate,' with drugs handed out for health conditions the drugs were not meant to treat. Some 46 percent of patients with urinary symptoms received inappropriate prescriptions of antibiotics and 41 percent of patients with bronchitis received inappropriate prescriptions of glucocorticoids. The cases were also related to middle-ear infections, sinus infections, non-back musculoskeletal pain, abdominal pain, digestive symptoms, and sprains and strains. It was not immediately clear what the effects of these prescriptions were, or if they had resulted in any harm. The researchers suggest that drug stewardship programs to optimize use of the drugs, using electronic health records, and further medication education could have an effect. 'Reducing inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics, glucocorticoids and opioids will require a multifaceted approach,' Cohen-Mekelburg said. 'Providers at urgent centers would benefit from greater support and feedback in making these decisions.'
