CDC’s Warning for Doctors; Fatigue Case Tied to Hidden Mold; Florida Vax Plan Stalls

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The CDC warned doctors and other medical professionals about medetomidine in the illegal drug supply, saying the veterinary sedative increases the risk of overdose as well as severe withdrawal symptoms after regular use.

Meanwhile, a CDC analysis identified a resurgence of kratom-containing kava-related exposures since 2011. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report)

Researchers reported how bacteria tolerant to the powerful antiseptic chlorhexidine spreads in hospitals on surfaces and dust particles in the air. (Environmental Science & Technology)

Gerhardt Konig, MD, testified during his attempted murder trial that he was acting in self defense. The anesthesiologist has been accused of trying to push his wife off an 1,800-foot cliff in Hawaii. (People)

Kids may be more likely to get the new BA.3.2 or “Cicada” variant of COVID, scientists said. (CNN)

Los Angeles county reported its highest-ever number of flea-borne typhus cases, with 220 cases last year. (CBS News)

Dismissed as normal motherhood, a woman’s chronic fatigue and other health issues were ultimately linked to mold in her home. (USA Today)

Workers who helped carve a massive Hindu temple in New Jersey — the largest in the west — are reporting cases of incurable lung disease caused by silica dust. (The Guardian)

Drones are being used to carry donor blood samples from Springfield to St. Louis, Missouri, for time-sensitive organ donations. (First Alert)

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey (R), 81, was released from the hospital after undergoing a procedure to remove fluid pressing against her lung. (AP)

In Florida, lawmakers have failed to agree on a path forward for the state’s plan to end all vaccine mandates. (WUSF)

Mississippi lawmakers sent a bill that criminalizes abortion medication to the governor. (AP)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture warned of potential lead contamination in Great Value-brand frozen, dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets sold at Walmart.

FDA approved a 5-month dosing interval for aflibercept (Eylea HD) in wet age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema, Regeneron announced.

State-run specialized insurance plans for foster kids have left some scrambling to find covered care. (KFF Health News)

Nutritional deterioration may adversely affect the effectiveness of immunotherapy in patients with advanced head and neck cancer. (JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery)

Amid rising colon cancer rates in young people, here’s what a gastroenterologist eats. (USA Today)

Congo declared the end of a 2-year outbreak of the mpox that’s believed to have caused more than 2,200 deaths in the country. (AP)