Dr. Oz’s Dubious Claims; Bird Flu Found in Raw Milk; Whooping Cough Surges

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Here are some of the dubious claims and products that Mehmet Oz, MD, president-elect Donald Trump’s choice to lead CMS, has endorsed over the years. (NBC News)

Trump’s choice of health leaders — including Marty Makary, MD, for FDA commissioner; Dave Weldon, MD, for CDC director; and Janette Nesheiwat, MD, for surgeon general — are largely untested in dealing with infectious disease outbreaks, experts warn. (Washington Post)

And Trump selected America First Policy Institute CEO Brooke Rollins to run the Department of Agriculture. (NPR)

At least three people advising Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on hiring decisions for HHS are anti-vaccine activists, Politico reported.

Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, MD, told municipalities in his state to stop adding fluoride to the water because of what he called the “neuropsychiatric risk associated with fluoride exposure.” (NBC News)

FDA researchers presented preliminary research on how the asthma drug montelukast (Singulair) affects the brain; the drug has carried a black box warning about neuropsychiatric effects since 2020. (Reuters)

H5N1 virus has been detected in raw milk, California’s public health department announced; the product in question is now being recalled.

Over 100 Republican lawmakers asked for an inquiry into the amount of federal funding awarded to Planned Parenthood and other health centers in the last 3 years. (The Hill)

Meanwhile, vasectomy appointments at Planned Parenthood shot up 1,200% on the day after the U.S. presidential election. (Newsweek)

Ready-to-eat-meat including seasoned pork feet and chicken quarter legs are behind another listeria outbreak that has killed an infant and hospitalized at least 9 others, according to the CDC.

Even without nicotine, vaping has acute effects on vascular health and oxygen levels, according to a study to be presented at the Radiological Society of North America’s (RSNA) annual meeting.

Another study from RSNA found that levothyroxine — a thyroid medicine commonly prescribed to older adults — may be associated with bone loss.

Why the U.S. medical community wants more Black doctors. (CBS News)

A global report on femicide found that the most dangerous place for women and girls is in the home, where 60% of such deaths occurred last year by a partner or family member. (The Guardian)

Hot baths or cold plunges? A small study weighs in. (NBC News)

U.S. cases of whooping cough are up sixfold since this time last year. (STAT)

Colorado dentist James Toliver Craig, who has been accused of killing his wife by poisoning her protein shakes in order to start a new life with a lover, is now facing new charges. (People)

Pat King, a prominent figure from Canada’s trucker protests against COVID-19 restrictions was found guilty on five counts, including mischief, and could face years in prison. (AP)

Dengue fever cases reached a record high this year — and climate change likely played a significant role. (NPR)