MRI scans are strong diagnostics with high-definition images of what lies inside a body. Strong magnetic fields require precaution, as brought out by an instance where a young woman suffered very serious injuries due to an oversight in a metallic core within a silicone sex toy that she happened to have before the MRI scan. This makes a stark reminder about the potentially deadly consequences of missing metal objects when such procedures are being performed. In April 2023, a 23-year-old woman went into an MRI with a silicone plug containing a metal core that was not known.

She thought that the item is made entirely out of silicone according to the advertising. However, the strong magnetic field of the MRI machine interacted with the hidden metal, dragging the object through her body and causing excruciating pain. According to reports from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the scene was harrowing, with the woman screaming in agony and requiring immediate hospitalization. Despite pre-scan screenings, which are routine prior to a scan, the patient did not inform the facility that the object existed because he presumed it was purely non-metallic. This caused serious injuries that led to the patient's law suit against the manufacturer for deceitful misrepresentations of material content.

MRI machines employ magnets between 0.5 to 3 Tesla (T). This is thousands of times stronger than the Earth's magnetic field. The tremendous force causes ferromagnetic materials, like iron and nickel, to be magnetized quickly and become strongly attracted toward the magnet. Objects as small as hairpins or paper clips will accelerate at 40 miles per hour inside the magnetic field.

The force can lead to catastrophic injuries in items lodged within the body, such as metallic implants or foreign objects. Metallic cores within devices, like pacemakers or intrauterine devices, must be disclosed to radiologists to prevent such complications.

How Metal Objects Interact with MRI Fields?

On these claims, Dr. Adam Taylor, a specialist in human anatomy, weighed his words in a international health website and added that the distance away and mass of this object would increase its velocity towards that of sound, "The acceleration would be phenomenal, but with a metallic core, it can't go anywhere near supersonic speeds. As for the size, the magnetic acceleration to the internal soft tissues would ensure that there could be severe intracranial trauma."

The injuries inflicted in this case likely involved damage to major blood vessels, nerves, or organs, highlighting the devastating impact of even minor oversight during an MRI scan.

This is not an isolated case. There are documented cases of metallic objects causing serious damage during MRI scans with a 65-year-old man with schizophrenia swallowed metal objects, including sockets and a hinge pin. The powerful magnetic field during an MRI scan caused the objects to rupture his stomach, resulting in serious injuries.

A toddler who ingested 11 small magnets perforated his bowel while undergoing a scan, making his case unique. In another deadly but extremely rare incident, there have been people who hide a firearm on themselves during MRI procedures. Magnetic attraction can trigger a discharge in a weapon and has led to some fatal injuries.

These cases emphasize the very strong need for adequate screening and patient education prior to an MRI.

Preventing MRI-Related Incidents

Medical professionals have been trained to avoid risks. This is by properly screening a patient for metallic objects. In general, most pre-scan protocols include:

• Patients are interrogated about implants, recent surgery or exposures at work related to metals.
• Radiologists sometimes use handheld metal detectors to search for hidden items.
• People who work with metal, like welders or machinists, will need additional testing to detect microscopic metal fragments within soft tissues or eyes.

The case emphasizes the importance of product labeling by manufacturers, especially those products that are likely to unintentionally cause harm to health. The patient's assumption that her device was 100% silicone points to a larger problem in consumer markets with misinformation.

It also reminds the patients to report any possible dangers to the medical professionals, no matter how the objects look non-metallic. In sensitive cases, patients can request private discussions with healthcare providers to ensure safety without discomfort.

In the end, it is a joint effort from manufacturers, healthcare professionals, and patients that can prevent such tragedies. Manufacturers must ensure truthful marketing, while healthcare providers should educate patients about the dangers of metal objects in MRI settings. For patients, understanding the risks and actively participating in pre-scan disclosures can be lifesaving.

This young woman's experience is a sobering example of the unforeseen dangers posed by MRI machines when precautions are overlooked. It serves as a wake-up call to address gaps in patient awareness, medical protocols, and product transparency. By learning from this incident, the medical community and the public can work together to ensure MRI scans remain a safe and effective diagnostic tool.

Even after recovery, the deadly Ebola virus (EBOV) can persist for a longer duration — more than three months — in breastmilk, according to a case report.

Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a severe viral illness that has a 25 percent – 90 percent fatality rate.

Ebola in pregnancy raises significant complications ranging from spontaneous abortion to maternal and neonatal death.

In a case report published in the New England Journal of Medicine, a team of researchers from the Republic of Congo and Senegal shared the case history of a 23-year-old woman in whom Ebola was still detectable in breast milk at 14 weeks.

The case reported the rare occurrence of a pregnant woman who survived EVD with no complications, neither to the mother nor the baby. However, the deadly virus was still present in the mothers' breast milk, which cited the potential risk of post-illness transmission to infants.

What Is Ebola Virus Disease?

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), EVD is a rare but severe illness in humans and is often fatal.

People can get infected with the virus if they touch an infected animal when preparing food, or touch body fluids of an infected person such as saliva, urine, feces or semen, or things that have body fluids of an infected person like clothes or sheets.

Ebola enters the body through cuts in the skin or when one is touching their eyes, nose or mouth. Early symptoms include fever, fatigue and headache.

What Was The Case

The woman from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) contracted EBOV during pregnancy in 2019.

Soon after, she was administered monoclonal antibody therapy and was discharged after three negative reverse-transcriptase–polymerase-chain-reaction blood tests for EBOV.

The woman delivered a healthy baby at 42 weeks of gestation. No evidence of EBOV infection was found in maternal blood, amniotic fluid, vaginal secretions, or the newborn.

Ebola Detectable In Breast Milk At 14 Weeks

Yet surprisingly, the EBOV virus persisted in the placenta and breast milk.

Tests revealed that while the mother’s blood remained negative, viral RNA was still detectable in breast milk at 14 weeks after illness onset. To protect the newborn from transmission, clinicians used the drug bromocriptine to suppress lactation.

As per the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, the mother was also isolated from the baby and not breastfed. A prophylactic (preventive) monoclonal antibody was also given to the newborn. During follow-up, the infant exhibited no signs of infection.

Ebola Virus: WHO Guidelines

During the 2018–2020 EVD outbreak in the northeast of DRC, 3,481 confirmed cases were reported. Of these, nearly 60 percent occurred in females, and about 45 percent occurred in children below 18 years of age.

Current WHO guidance recommends that Ebola survivors avoid breastfeeding until viral clearance is confirmed.

The global health body advises women with suspected or confirmed Ebola to immediately stop breastfeeding and be prioritized for diagnostic testing.

Children exposed to Ebola through breast milk

• Must be placed under care,
• Closely monitored for symptoms over 21 days
• Fed with an appropriate breast milk substitute.
• Restarted on breastfeeding after two consecutive negative tests of breast milk.

Meningitis – the inflammation of the brain and spinal cord lining – has claimed 259,000 lives worldwide in 2023, according to a new study, published in The Lancet Neurology.

A total of 2.5 million people globally were infected with meningitis, which is also the leading infectious cause of neurological disabilities.

Importantly, children accounted for a third of the deaths, many of which were in Africa, according to research that described itself as the most comprehensive global assessment of meningitis yet.

The study comes amidst a “unprecedented” meningitis outbreak in the UK’s Kent, where two people died, and many were infected.

Meningitis: Achieving WHO 2030 goals

According to the study, global vaccination campaigns since 2000, played a significant role in reducing the number of infections and deaths by bacterial meningitis, in both high-income and low-income countries.

The Global Burden of Disease study led by an international team of researchers led by those from the University of Washington, showed that although mortality and incidence have declined significantly since 1990, progress is insufficient to meet the WHO 2030 targets.

The WHO targets a 50 percent reduction in meningitis infections and 70 percent reduction in deaths by 2030. However, a substantial meningitis burden persists. It also lags behind other vaccine-preventable diseases.

The driving factor are:

• common pathogens such as S pneumoniae and N meningitidis
• emerging non-bacterial pathogens such as Candida spp
• drug-resistant fungi.

Also read: Bacterial Meningitis May Cause Long-term Fatigue, Vision Problems, Raise Suicide Risk: Study

What Is Meningitis?

Meningitis is a serious medical condition that affects the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, the meninges. While fever is not always present, it is usually considered as one of the classic symptoms of meningitis.

It is important to know the varied symptoms, causes, and treatments of meningitis for early diagnosis and proper management of the disease.

Meningitis is an infectious illness that brings about inflammation in the meninges. The most common cause of such inflammation is bacterial or viral infections, though other causes are also possible including fungal, parasitic, or non-infectious causes (autoimmune disease, head injury, or brain surgery).

Meningitis may also be caused by bacterial meningitis, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates can be so severe and bring about conditions like hearing loss, vision problems, and death if not received on time.

Also read: From Vaping to Worm Attack: 5 Unimaginable Ways to Contract Meningitis

Meningitis: Risk factors

As per the Lancet study, the greatest risk factors for deaths was

• low birthweight
• premature birth
• air pollution (both household and atmospheric).

Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, non-polio enteroviruses, and other viruses were the leading causes of death, while non-polio enteroviruses caused the most cases.

To achieve further reductions in the disease globally, the researchers called for greater efforts, including:

• expanding vaccination programs,
• greater antibiotic stewardship,
• improving access to care,
• strengthening diagnostics and monitoring for meningitis.

Also read: Unique Symptoms Of Meningitis That Caused An Outbreak In Kent University

Common Symptoms Of Meningitis

• Rash
• Headaches
• Neck stiffness
• Fever
• Drowsiness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Increased sensitivity to light.

World Doctors’ Day is celebrated every year on March 30 to honor physicians for their dedication and compassion in saving lives and ensuring healthy communities.

Doctors are often regarded as God as they work tirelessly to save lives, even amidst conflicts or pandemics, without counting their own lives.

Often referred to as a noble profession, their mission transcends boundaries and also showcases profound human values rooted in compassion, dedication, and responsibility.

They play a significant role in building resilient, healthy societies and the world.

While there is no universally declared theme to mark the day, several campaigns are held focusing on the well-being and resilience of doctors, especially in the post-pandemic era.

World Doctors’ Day: History

World Doctors’ Day is the same as US National Doctors Day.

It was first observed in 1933 in Georgia and officially recognized in 1990 when George H. W. Bush signed it into law.

The first Doctors' Day was initiated by Eudora Brown Almond, wife of Dr. Charles B. Almond, and was adopted by the Barrow County Alliance.

The day was also observed to mark the anniversary of the first use of general anesthesia in surgery by Dr. Crawford W. Long in Jefferson, Georgia, in 1842.

The idea was then presented to the Georgia State Medical Alliance in 1933 by E. R. Harris of Winder, president of the Barrow County Alliance.

On May 10, 1934, the resolution was adopted at the annual state meeting in Augusta, Georgia.

Later, it was resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the US in Congress to designate March 30 as “National Doctors’ Day.”

The symbol for Doctors' Day is often the red carnation, chosen for its color that represents love, charity, and sacrifice — that highlights the profession.

The US reportedly has over 985,000 to 1 million practicing physicians.

World Doctors’ Day: Significance:

The day honors physicians' commitment, service, and contributions to healthcare, often highlighting their role in patient care. Their role is also in medical innovations that have given life to people across the globe.

It also highlights challenges faced by the physician community, like burnout, workforce shortages, and rising health demands.

Doctors are also overburdened with increasing patient load and staff shortages. Some also face workplace violence and safety concerns.

Notably, digital healthcare and evolving technologies have also added pressures and an additional burden to their practice.

Countries Celebrating World Doctors’ Day

World Doctors’ Day is celebrated on March 30 in the US, the UAE, and Australia.

India celebrates National Doctors’ Day on July 1, commemorating the birth and death anniversary of renowned physician Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy.