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.

In yet another video sparking concerns about US President Donald Trump’s health, he appeared to doze off during an Oval Office event on maternal healthcare.

This is not the first time Trump’s sleeping habits have sparked public discussion. His unusual late-night social media activity has frequently drawn attention online.

But the latest video shows the 79-year-old President, the oldest person elected US president, apparently falling asleep as the attendees stood behind the POTUS' chair spoke.

Also Read: Donald Trump Says Hantavirus Is 'Under Control'; Questions Grow Over CDC Research Cuts

The video immediately went viral on social media and sparked concerns around Trump's health, despite White House's assurances that he is “excellent” and fit to perform Presidential duties.

Some users on X called Trump "Sleepy Don", others said he is not physically fit to be the President.

“Today is Monday. That means Trump falls asleep at yet another high-profile event with cameras rolling," California Rep. Ted Lieu wrote. "Imagine what happens when there are no cameras. Trump is not mentally or physically fit to be President of the United States."

"Trump fell asleep with his face drooping in the Oval Office during a meeting today. This is a real video that should concern every American. He’s not fit to serve," wrote another user.

However, the White House responded angrily, stating that he was “blinking” and not asleep.

“He was blinking, you absolute moron,” the Rapid Response 47 account said.

White House Splits Shifts To Keep Up With Trump

Earlier, Susie Wiles, chief of staff to Trump, revealed how senior White House aides manage the President’s unusual sleep schedule and late-night work habits behind the scenes.

Trump’s habit of posting on Truth Social late at night and remaining active during overnight hours has long fueled curiosity about how much sleep he actually gets.

Speaking during the Independent Women’s Gala, Wiles discussed the challenges of operating in what she described as a White House that runs on “Trump time,” according to The Mirror US.

“I am not one of those people that doesn’t need sleep, I actually do very much,” Wiles, 68, said while explaining how staff members adapt to the president’s around-the-clock routine.

According to Wiles, the administration has developed an informal system to ensure staff can manage the demanding workload while still getting rest.

“I go to sleep early, and Dan Scavino, who I’m sure many of you know, is a night owl; we divide it,” she explained. “I get the early calls, and Dan gets the late calls.”

Previously, Trump himself has joked about his sleeping habits. After appearing to briefly close his eyes during a televised cabinet meeting earlier this year, he brushed off the speculation by saying the session had simply become “a little bit on the boring side.”

“I didn’t sleep, by the way,” Trump added. “I don’t sleep much.”

Experts Claim Trump's Mental Health Is Deteriorating

Also read: Fact Check: Can Ivermectin Help Treat Hantavirus?

A group of medical experts has sounded the alarm over what they’ve described as Trump’s deteriorating mental health, The Daily Beast Reported.

The three dozen medical professionals include neurologists, psychiatrists, and other physicians with extensive experience diagnosing cognitive disorders and evaluating patients.

The experts have not specifically examined Trump face-to-face. But, based on his statements and behaviors over the past year, they stated that he’s “mentally unfit” and must be removed from office “with the greatest urgency” amid the escalating tension around the world, the report said.

“It is our professional opinion that they (Trump's statements) reflect a rapidly worsening, reality-untethered, increasingly dangerous decline,” the experts said in a statement.

They also listed some of Trump’s observable serious medical issues, such as “Marked deterioration in cognitive functioning, evidenced by disorganized and tangential speech, rambling digressions, factual confusions, unexplained sudden changes of course in strategic matters, both national and international, episodes of apparent somnolence during critical public proceedings.”

While concern continues over the deadly hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship, reports of more than 100 people falling ill on a Caribbean cruise with vomiting and diarrhea have also sparked alarm.

A cruise ship sailing from Florida with over 3,000 passengers reported a major outbreak around May 7. More than 100 passengers and crew were affected. Health officials confirmed the cause as norovirus.

According to Cruise operator Princess Cruises, enhanced cleaning protocols were introduced immediately after the outbreak was detected. Sick passengers and crew were isolated, and hygiene measures across dining and public areas were intensified.

What Is Norovirus?

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, leading to inflammation of the stomach and intestines.

Speaking to HealthandMe, epidemiologist Dr. Amitav Banerjee, professor at DY Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, described norovirus as “notorious because it spreads very fast.”

“It can spread through fomites like handles and knobs, and even a very low infectious dose—around 18 viral particles—can cause infection. So it spreads very fast,” he said.

He added that while many common disinfectants are ineffective against it, norovirus can be inactivated using bleach and chlorine-based cleaning agents.

Is The Norovirus Outbreak Of Concern?

Although outbreaks can look alarming, Dr. Banerjee emphasized that norovirus infections are generally self-limiting.

“In the ship, it can be managed with oral rehydration, and in severe cases, IV fluids can help prevent complications and mortality,” he said.

A recent report from the US also showed that norovirus can spread very rapidly from person to person on a cruise ship.

Dr. Banerjee also clarified that, unlike diseases with pandemic potential, norovirus outbreaks—while explosive in nature—do not typically pose a long-term global threat.

“So, this particular outbreak is not a cause for worry. It does not have pandemic potential, though it can spread very fast,” he added.

Read More: Hantavirus Alert on MV Hondius: One US Passenger Tests Positive, Two Others Show Symptoms

Who Is Most at Risk? What Are The Key Symptoms

Dr. Banerjee noted that extreme age groups, especially very young infants and the elderly, are at higher risk due to dehydration from diarrheal illness. However, deaths remain rare when proper care is provided.

Norovirus illnesses usually last between two and three days. Symptoms usually begin suddenly within 12 to 48 hours of exposure and may include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Watery diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Low-grade fever
• Headache and body aches
• Fatigue

What You Can Do To Stop Its Spread

Because of how fast viruses spread, experts highly recommend preventive actions such as:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water, especially after using the toilet or before preparing food.
• Avoid visiting hospitals or care homes if experiencing symptoms.
• Stay home for at least 48 hours after symptoms subside to prevent spreading the virus.

Two of 17 American passengers evacuated from the hantavirus-hit MV Hondius have tested positive, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced today.

A French national onboard the same cruise has also shown symptoms.

The Dutch-flagged vessel MV Hondius, carrying 94 people, including Filipinos, Britons, Americans, Indians, and Spaniards, arrived in Spain's Canary Islands on May 10. All have been evacuated and repatriated.

How Did Countries Evacuate?

US

The HHS in a post on social media platform X noted that all 17 American citizens have been repatriated from the MV Hondius cruise ship and are currently en route to the US.

The two passengers who tested positive for hantavirus are travelling in the plane's biocontainment units out of an abundance of caution.

“All 17 are currently en route via @StateDept airlift to the United States, with two of the passengers travelling in the plane's biocontainment units out of an abundance of caution. One passenger currently has mild symptoms, and another passenger tested mildly PCR positive for the Andes virus,” the HHS statement said.

The HHS added that the airlifted passengers will be transported “to the ASPR Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Center (RESPTC) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center/Nebraska Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska”.

The passenger with mild symptoms will be moved to a second RESPTC. Notably, everyone will undergo clinical assessment and receive appropriate care and support based on their condition.

Also read: Hantavirus: How Andes Strain Spreads Between Humans; Why It’s Not Another Pandemic

Spain

Prime Minister of France Sébastien Lecornu, informed that five Spaniards present on the MV Hondius have been repatriated to national territory.

Of these, one “exhibited symptoms on the repatriation flight”.

“As a result, all five passengers were immediately placed in strict isolation until further notice. They are receiving medical care and will undergo testing and a full health assessment,” he added.

Read More: Why The Norovirus Outbreak On A Caribbean Cruise Ship Is Not A Cause for Panic

Australia

Australia said it will charter a flight to evacuate its citizens. And the passengers returning are expected to be quarantined on arrival.

Environment Minister Murray ⁠Watt said the flight carries four Australians, one resident of Tenerife, and one resident of New Zealand.

"This is being done via an Australian government-supported flight, and we expect those people to return to Australia soon," Watt told reporters in Canberra.

"Quarantine arrangements are being finalized as we speak with the states and territories."

India

Two Indian nationals are healthy and unsymptomatic, the Embassy of India in Madrid said on May 10.

They have been medically evacuated to the Netherlands, where they will be quarantined as per relevant health safety protocol, the embassy said.

Planes to Canada, the Netherlands, Turkey, the UK, Ireland, and have also departed from Spain.

WHO Guidelines On Hantavirus

Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO’s head of epidemic and pandemic preparedness, said that after being brought to shore, passengers will be kept cordoned off from the public and taken to repatriation flights.

In their home countries, many will be taken onward to isolation facilities. Van Kerkhove said that the WHO is recommending “active monitoring and follow-up” for all passengers and crew for 42 days from their “last point of exposure” to a confirmed case.

"Our recommendation is daily health checks, at home or in a specialized facility. It's up to countries to develop their policies, but our recommendations are very clear," Van Kerkhove said, highlighting that the incubation period for the virus was up to six weeks.