Late ED Doc’s Secret Life; Flesh-Eating Bacteria in Florida; COVID Vaccine Lawsuit

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Health news and commentary gathered by MedPage Today staff

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MedPage Today Staff

October 21, 2src24

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New details on John Forsyth, MD, the Missouri emergency medicine doctor who died of apparent suicide last year, suggest he lived a secret life. (5News)

Cases of Mycoplasma pneumonia are increasing in young kids, the CDC said.

More than 2,srcsrcsrc mental health professionals at Kaiser Permanente in Southern California are poised to go on strike today. (Los Angeles Times)

A growing number of pharmacy deserts have left patients struggling to access their medications. (USA Today)

Abortion eclipsed immigration to become the second-most significant issue for voters this November, trailing the economy, according to Newsweek polling.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s potential role in a Trump administration is raising alarm among GOP officials and biopharmaceutical executives. (STAT)

Texas hospitals will start asking patients about their immigration status on November 1. (Texas Tribune)

In Florida, cases of flesh-eating bacteria have increased after hurricanes Helene and Milton. (CNN)

Advocates in Rhode Island are calling for a state-level agency to oversee children’s behavioral health services. (Rhode Island Current)

In Kentucky, a man who reportedly fired a gun at a hospital was shot by a responding police officer and is in critical condition. (Lexington Herald Leader)

Transplant patients say they were blindsided by Penn State Health’s decision to shutter its kidney and liver transplant programs. (Spotlight PA)

Frozen waffles made by TreeHouse Foods — sold at Walmart, Target, and other stores — have been voluntarily recalled due to possible Listeria contamination. (NPR)

This U.K. resident claims to have eaten more than 7srcsrc meals in hospitals, calling it good value for money. (Fox News)

The FDA asked a federal judge in Texas to toss a public records lawsuit focused on COVID-19 vaccines. (Reuters)

In other agency news, AbbVie announced approval of onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) for treating platysmal bands — moderate to severe vertical bands connecting the jaw and neck.

And FDA said that Boston Scientific has again issued new instructions for its Obsidio Conformable Embolic after 15 injuries and four deaths were linked to bowel ischemia while using the device.

Two athletes, one age 79, died competing in the World Triathlon Championships. (CNN)

Egypt has been certified as malaria-free, the WHO announced.