Latest / Morning Medical with Dr. Chow / Climate change's effect on infectious diseases, rise in UK melanoma cases, and abortion law updates

Transcript

Climate change's effect on infectious diseases, rise in UK melanoma cases, and abortion law updates · Morning Medical with Dr. Chow

0:00
Good morning, and welcome to the very first episode of Morning Medical with Doctor Chow.
0:05
I am your host, Doctor Chi-Ming.
0:07
In this podcast, We will bring you daily updates on the latest medical and health needs
0:12
from around the world using the power of artificial intelligence.
0:16
As a trained family doctor, general internist and cardiologist.
0:20
I'm excited to share my insights and knowledge with you.
0:24
Let's dive into today's top stories.
0:30
Our first story today revolves around the increasing risks of infectious diseases
0:34
spreading northward as temperatures continue to warm.
0:37
This phenomenon has been particularly evident in Canada where diseases once considered rare
0:42
are now becoming more common.
0:45
15 years ago, an Ontario student named Justin Wood began feeling unwell.
0:53
As an active soccer player, snowboarder, and mountain biker, would initially had no idea
0:58
what was causing his symptoms.
1:01
He had to step back from sports and academics, and his condition worsened to the point where
1:07
he could not work or function in daily life.
1:10
It took him 4 to 5 years to receive a diagnosis, which turned out to be Lyme disease,
1:16
a tick borne illness, that was relatively rare in Canada at the time.
1:22
According to government statistics, Lyme disease was responsible for only a few 100
1:26
infections per year in Canada back then.
1:29
However, over the past decade, cases of Lyme disease have increased by more than 1000%.
1:36
This surge is largely attributed to the warming climate, which has extended the range of
1:41
various pathogens and risk factors northward.
1:45
Researchers have noted that populations of exotic mosquito species capable of carrying
1:50
diseases such as dengue and yellow fever have established themselves in parts of Ontario.
1:57
Scientists are also concerned that climate change will elevate the risk of microbial
2:01
diseases associated with food contamination and warm weather.
2:06
Justin Woods experience with Lyme disease eventually led him to a career path dedicated
2:11
to combating it.
2:12
He now runs a private lab in Ontario called genetics, which specializes in testing ticks
2:17
for diseases.
2:18
His work has introduced him to many individuals who have been severely affected by Lyme
2:23
disease, would describe the symptoms as very, very severe.
2:28
And notes that they can be incredibly diverse and debilitating.
2:33
Health Canada reports that the symptoms of Lyme disease can range from rashes and headaches to
2:38
severe joint pain and memory loss.
2:41
In rare cases, the disease can be fatal due to heart infections.
2:46
Would mentioned that his lab has seen an annual increase of 0.5 to 1% in detections of Birellia
2:54
burgdorphy.
2:55
The bacteria responsible for Lyme disease.
2:59
Although this increase may seem small, the range of black legged ticks that carry the
3:03
bacteria is expanding.
3:06
These ticks are becoming more active and living longer, leading to a higher number of ticks
3:11
being born each year.
3:13
Wood estimates that between 50,000,000 and a 175,000,000 ticks arrive in Canada on migratory
3:19
songbirds every spring.
3:21
This influx contributes to the growing problem of tick borne diseases in the country.
3:27
Surveillance data supports Woods' observations.
3:31
A federal report states that there were 3147 reported cases of Lyme disease in Canada in
3:38
2021.
3:39
A significant rise from 266 cases in 2011.
3:44
The report attributes this increase partly to climate change which has boosted the abundance
3:49
and geographic range of black legged tick populations in Central And Eastern Canada.
3:55
Canada's historically cold weather has served as a barrier against many warm weather
3:59
diseases, including dengue, Zika virus, malaria, and yellow fever, all of which are
4:05
transmitted by specific mosquito species.
4:09
However, this is changing.
4:12
Victoria Ng, a senior scientific evaluator for the Public Health Agency of Canada, explains
4:18
that climate change will lead to weather conditions and more extreme weather events,
4:23
creating ideal conditions for mosquitoes to thrive.
4:28
Pointed out that Windsor, Ontario now has a small population of AED's Alba pictus, also
4:35
known as Tiger Mosquitos, which are native to the tropics and subtropics of Asia.
4:41
Public Health Ontario announced the detection of the first reproducing population of these
4:46
mosquitoes in Windsor in the fall of 2016.
4:50
Another exotic species eighties EgyptI originating from Africa was also detected for
4:56
the first time.
4:58
These mosquito species are aggressive human biters and potential vectors for diseases like
5:03
dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika viruses in warmer regions of the world.
5:10
Initially, it was believed that these mosquitoes would not survive the Ontario
5:14
winter.
5:15
However, Ng noted that Eighty's Alba pictus has been observed returning year round and
5:21
completing their full life cycle in Canada, indicating their potential to stay and expand
5:26
geographically as the climate warms.
5:30
Doctor Joe Vipend, an emergency physician, and past president of the Canadian Association of
5:36
Physicians for the environment.
5:38
Highlighted that the number of mosquito borne disease cases has been slowly growing over the
5:44
past 2 decades.
5:46
He expressed concerns that diseases like dengue fever or malaria could eventually reach Canada.
5:54
Vippon referred to Florida as an example where Dengue fever was once non existent, but has now
6:01
led to mosquito borne illness alerts.
6:05
A 2019 article in the Canada Communicable Disease Report emphasized the need for a
6:10
careful clinical and public health response to the potential establishment of exotic mosquito
6:14
populations in Canada.
6:16
Although the short term risk of these diseases spreading in Canada remains low, It is feasible
6:21
that climate change could facilitate their presence in the future.
6:25
Malaria is of particular concern as it was once endemic in Canada.
6:30
The disease gained a temporary foothold in Southern Ontario in the 18th 19th centuries,
6:36
likely introduced by refugees from the American war of independence and transmitted by the
6:41
local anopheles quadramaculatus mosquito.
6:45
Another pressing issue is the increased risk of foodborne diseases associated with warm
6:51
weather.
6:51
A 2019 article in the Canada communicable disease report by scientists from the National
6:57
Microbiology Laboratory in Guelph Ontario highlighted the strong association between
7:04
rising air temperatures and infections caused by e coli, salmonella, and vibrio bacteria.
7:12
The article warned that climate change would affect the growth, survival, abundance, and
7:18
range of pathogens throughout the food chain, leading to more foodborne diseases.
7:24
Lyme disease is not the only tick borne pathogen causing concern.
7:29
A report from the British Columbia Center disease control in 2023, identified 2 emerging
7:36
tick borne parasites, Babesia Odacola and Babesia Microtie, which cause Babesiosis, a
7:43
disease with flu like symptoms.
7:46
The report indicated that climate change could facilitate the spread of these diseases.
7:52
Stephanie Wassawa, a vector specialist with the British Columbia Center for Disease Control,
7:57
explained that rising temperatures create favorable conditions for ticks to expand their
8:02
population.
8:04
He noted that moving northward would increase the habitat range for ticks and their hosts
8:11
such as mice, deer, and raccoons.
8:15
Donna Lugar, a Nova Scotia based advocate for Lyme disease awareness expressed concerns about
8:21
the complacency of Canadians regarding the risks.
8:25
Lugar, who contracted Lyme disease in 2011, observed that winters in Nova Scotia, are no
8:32
longer as cold as they used to be, which could lead to an increase in tick populations.
8:38
She founded the Nova Scotia Lyme disease support group, to raise awareness and promote
8:43
prevention, but she admits that it is a challenging task.
8:48
Probably at some point, I'll just finally say, I'm moving to a country where there are not any
8:54
ticks, she said.
8:56
A cancer charity is warning people to do more to protect themselves from the sun as the
9:01
number of melanoma skin cancer cases in the United Kingdom continues to rise.
9:06
Cancer research United Kingdom predicts there will be a record 20,800 cases diagnosed this
9:12
year, up from a yearly average of 19th 300 20202022.
9:18
Its analysis shows rates rose by almost a third from 21 to 28 cases per 100,000 people between
9:25
2009 2019.
9:28
The rise in diagnoses is due partly to a growing aging population, and an increase in
9:33
awareness of the signs of skin cancer.
9:36
The report suggests around 17,000 melanoma cases every year are preventable.
9:41
With almost 910 caused by too much ultraviolet radiation.
9:46
Melanomas are a serious type of skin cancer that can spread to other parts of the body.
9:52
There are also non melanoma skin cancers, which are generally more common and usually less
9:57
serious than melanoma.
9:59
According to Cancer Research United Kingdom, the rise in cases has covered all age groups,
10:05
but the biggest increases are in the older age groups particularly in adults over 80, where
10:10
diagnoses have risen from 61 to 96 cases per 100,000 people over a decade.
10:17
There has also been a rise among adults age between 20 5 49 according to the charities
10:23
analysis.
10:24
For this group, The rate has gone up from 14 to 15 per a hundred thousand people over 10 years.
10:31
Young people are more likely to be aware of the link between ultraviolet radiation and skin
10:36
cancer than older generations.
10:39
Scientists suggest.
10:40
This could mean they are more likely to take precautions in the sun compared with older
10:45
people who grew up when less was known about the dangers of tanning.
10:50
Many people also took advantage of the cheap package holiday boom which began in the 19
10:55
sixties researchers say.
10:58
Caroline Jones, 57 from Shrewsbury, was diagnosed with skin cancer in 2018 after
11:04
spotting a tiny blemish on her leg.
11:08
She told the British Broadcasting Corporation, It was tiny and shiny with a black bit in the
11:14
middle.
11:15
It just did not look right.
11:17
The scary thing is If it was on my back, I probably would not have seen it.
11:22
But because I saw it and went quickly to the doctor, I am still here today.
11:28
Caroline's melanoma was caught early.
11:30
And after surgery to remove it, she is now cancer free.
11:35
Caroline continued.
11:36
I have never been a sunbather, but each of the times I have been abroad, I have burnt quite
11:41
badly.
11:43
That is probably five times of falling asleep in the sun for a few hours.
11:47
I hope my story will encourage people to think about their habits and take care when they are
11:51
enjoying the sun.
11:54
Cancer Research United Kingdom's chief executive, Michelle Mitchell, says survival
11:58
from cancers including melanoma continues to prove, demonstrating the substantial progress
12:03
made possible by research.
12:05
But it is vital that people try to reduce their risk of getting the disease in the first place.
12:10
She adds.
12:11
Make sure to take care in the sun and contact your general practitioner if you notice any
12:16
unusual changes to your skin.
12:19
Whether a new or changing mole, a sore that does not heal, or an area of your skin that
12:24
looks out of the ordinary, spotting cancer early can make all the difference.
12:29
Almost 9 in 10 adults diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer in England will survive their
12:35
disease for 10 years or more.
12:38
To protect yourself, spend time in the shade between 11 in the morning, and 3 in the
12:44
afternoon.
12:45
Never burn.
12:46
Cover up with suitable clothing, including a wide brimmed hat and long sleeve top and wear
12:52
sunglasses.
12:53
Take extra care with children and use at least factor 30 sunscreen regularly.
12:59
Our final story for today delves into the recent legislative changes in Louisiana
13:05
concerning abortion pills.
13:07
On Thursday, the Louisiana Senate voted to reclassify Mifapristone and misoprostol the 2
13:14
drugs commonly used in medication abortions as controlled substances.
13:19
This marks the latest development in a nationwide battle over abortion pills.
13:24
So what does this new law entail?
13:27
The legislation classifies mifepristone and misoprostol as scheduled for substances, which
13:34
means they now require greater oversight due to their potential for abuse or dependence.
13:40
This classification places these abortion pills in the same category as anti anxiety
13:45
medications like Xanax and Valium.
13:47
Under the new law, possessing these drugs without a prescription or outside of
13:52
professional medical practice is now a crime.
13:55
Punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison and fines of up to $5000.
14:00
This new classification makes it riskier for to bring abortion pills from out of state or order
14:07
them online without a prescription, especially since the state already has a near total ban on
14:12
abortion.
14:14
Pregnant women are exempt from prosecution under this law, but any other person who might
14:18
help them obtain the drugs such as friends, family members, or providers are not exempt.
14:24
Additionally, women who are not pregnant but want to acquire these pills as a precaution are
14:29
also subject to the law.
14:32
Doctors in Louisiana will now need a special license to prescribe Mifepristone and
14:37
misoprostol.
14:38
These prescriptions will be logged in a state database that law enforcement can access with a
14:43
warrant, potentially making doctors hesitant to prescribe these medications and compromising
14:48
patient privacy.
14:50
Critics argue that this law will also make it harder for people who need misoprostol for
14:55
other medical conditions such as inducing labor, treating miscarriages, or reducing the
15:00
risk of serious bleeding from ulcers.
15:04
Could this law be challenged in court?
15:06
The answer is yes.
15:08
Women and doctors in Louisiana as well as the makers of the drugs could argue that they are
15:13
harmed by the law and have legal standing to challenge it.
15:16
One potential argument is that the law violates Louisiana residents basic rights under the
15:22
state constitution by restricting necessary medical care.
15:26
Planiffs could also argue that the law conflicts with the federal government policy of
15:31
making these drugs available.
15:33
However, it is worth noting that the only comparable case is a 2014 court ruling that
15:39
Massachusetts could not ban a prescription pain killer outright, which is different from what
15:43
Louisiana's law does.
15:46
Are other states considering similar laws?
15:49
While Reuters was not able to identify similar proposals at the moment, past experience
15:54
suggests that copycat laws are likely.
15:57
For instance, after Texas passed a law, allowing private lawsuits against people who
16:03
aid or a bet in obtaining an abortion, several other states followed suit.
16:09
The fight over abortion pills is not just confined to Louisiana.
16:14
The United States Supreme Court is currently considering a lawsuit in which anti abortion
16:18
medical groups and doctors are seeking to restrict MI fee per stone, including through a
16:24
ban on prescribing it by telemedicine or dispensing it by mail.
16:29
Meanwhile, several democratic led states have passed so called shield laws meant to protect
16:35
doctors who prescribe abortion pills across state lines to patients where abortion is
16:40
illegal.
16:42
This concludes today's episode of morning medical with doctor Chow.
16:47
Thank you for joining me as we explored some of the most pressing medical and health news
16:51
stories.
16:52
From the impact climate change on infectious diseases to the rising cases of melanoma skin
16:57
cancer in the United Kingdom.
16:59
And finally, the new legislative challenges surrounding abortion pills Louisiana, we have
17:04
covered a lot of ground.
17:06
I hope you found this information valuable and insightful.
17:10
Stay safe, stay informed, and I look forward to bringing you more updates tomorrow.
17:16
Have a wonderful day.