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Tick-Borne Illnesses on the Rise, West Texas Remains Low-Risk Area

Tick-Borne Illnesses on the Rise, West Texas Remains Low-Risk Area

Tick-borne illnesses, including Lyme disease and Alpha-gal Syndrome, are reportedly on the rise in various parts of the U.S., leading to increased public concern and a spike in emergency room visits for tick bites, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Ticks are small arachnids that feed on blood and can transmit diseases. While most tick bites do not cause serious health problems, prompt removal is crucial to prevent potential infections. Symptoms of tick-borne illnesses often mimic the flu, appearing 1 to 3 weeks after a bite. Alpha-gal Syndrome, transmitted by the lone star tick, can cause an allergy to red meat. Despite the national trend, West Texas is considered one of the least 'ticky' places in the mainland U.S. due to its arid climate and lower populations of large, warm-blooded animals that host ticks. Dr. Chris Ritzi, an entomologist at Sul Ross State University, notes that tick numbers have not surged in West Texas as they have in more humid regions.

US pending home sales unexpectedly rise in August, trend remains weak

US pending home sales unexpectedly rise in August, trend remains weak

WASHINGTON, Sept 17 (Reuters) - Contracts to purchase previously owned U.S. homes unexpectedly rose in August, but the gain is likely to be temporary as elevated mortgage rates continue to sideline some prospective buyers and weigh on housing demand.

Brain-eating amoeba map shows which states have the most cases

Brain-eating amoeba map shows which states have the most cases

Historical data reveals which states have reported the most brain-eating amoeba cases in the U.S.

U.S. Health Officials Report Rise in 'Flesh-Eating' Bacteria Cases and Deaths

U.S. Health Officials Report Rise in 'Flesh-Eating' Bacteria Cases and Deaths

Health officials across the U.S. are issuing warnings regarding an increase in infections and deaths linked to Vibrio vulnificus, commonly known as 'flesh-eating' bacteria. This rare bacterium naturally occurs in warm saltwater and brackish water. Infections can occur through direct contact with contaminated water, especially for individuals with open wounds or broken skin. Another common route of infection is consuming raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters. So far this year, Florida has reported four deaths from 21 cases, and Louisiana has reported six deaths from 17 cases. South Carolina has also reported three cases, with one related death. While healthy individuals typically experience mild illness, the bacteria poses a significant risk to those with weakened immune systems, chronic liver disease, or other underlying health conditions. Severe infections can lead to intensive care, limb amputations, and a fatality rate of about one in five, sometimes within 24 to 48 hours of illness onset.

Midwest Faces Weeklong Flash Flood Threat Amidst Persistent Storms and Heat Dome

Midwest Faces Weeklong Flash Flood Threat Amidst Persistent Storms and Heat Dome

The Midwest is currently experiencing a weeklong flash flood threat, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Weather Prediction Center (WPC) issuing a Level 2 out of 4 flash flood threat for parts of the region through Sunday. Widespread rainfall of 3–5 inches is anticipated, with some localized areas potentially receiving 5–8 inches. This deluge is fueled by a persistent heat dome over the South, which is directing deep tropical moisture from the Southwest and Gulf around its western flank. Initial rounds of storms earlier in the week have already led to flooding in Western Iowa, causing rivers and creeks in Cass County to overflow. The ground is already saturated, exacerbating the flood risk. On Thursday, heavy rain is expected to concentrate in South Dakota, with forecast totals of 2–4 inches, potentially higher locally, particularly across western and central South Dakota, extending towards the I-90 corridor and Sioux Falls area. The FOX Forecast Center predicts severe storms ...

Feeling tired? You're not alone, new CDC report says

Feeling tired? You're not alone, new CDC report says

Fatigue is "generally defined as physical or mental tiredness or exhaustion that does not improve with additional sleep or rest."

Realtor.com Report Grades U.S. Metros on Housing Affordability and Homebuilding, Highlighting Regional Disparities

Realtor.com Report Grades U.S. Metros on Housing Affordability and Homebuilding, Highlighting Regional Disparities

Realtor.com Report Grades U.S. Metros on Housing Affordability and Homebuilding, Highlighting Regional Disparities

Teen's death sparks warning over opioid stronger than fentanyl

Teen's death sparks warning over opioid stronger than fentanyl

The synthetic opioid, cychlorphine, has been linked to an increasing number of deadly overdoses.

U.S. Youth Caffeine Consumption Linked to Doubled Emergency Room Visits

U.S. Youth Caffeine Consumption Linked to Doubled Emergency Room Visits

A new report indicates a significant increase in caffeine-related emergency department visits among U.S. children aged 11 to 18, with numbers doubling between 2017 and 2024. Additionally, U.S. poison control centers recorded nearly 2,700 energy drink-related calls involving individuals aged 19 and under in 2023. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that almost 63% of youth consumed caffeine daily between August 2021 and August 2023, with intake rising with age. Approximately one-third of those aged 12 to 17 regularly consume energy drinks. The report highlights that caffeine can mask the effects of alcohol, leading to higher rates of binge drinking, impaired driving, and alcohol-related injuries among college students who mix alcohol with energy drinks. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggests 400 milligrams of caffeine daily is generally safe for healthy adults, many energy drinks contain significantly higher amounts, and not all caffeine sources are required to ...

Republican senator faults Trump vaccine policy for US measles deaths as panel weighs health nominees

Republican senator faults Trump vaccine policy for US measles deaths as panel weighs health nominees

By Ahmed Aboulenein WASHINGTON, Sept 16 (Reuters) - The Republican chairman of the U.S.

CDC delay holds up children's COVID vaccine orders, WSJ reports

CDC delay holds up children's COVID vaccine orders, WSJ reports

Sept 16 (Reuters) - U.S. states are facing delays in obtaining COVID-19 vaccines for children through a federal immunization program, the Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter. The U.S.

Pennsylvania measles-associated deaths climb to four as outbreak grows

Pennsylvania measles-associated deaths climb to four as outbreak grows

By Sriparna Roy and Kamal Choudhury Sept 15 (Reuters) - The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Tuesday reported two more measles-associated deaths, both in unvaccinated individuals, bringing the state's total fatalities linked to the disease outbreak to four.