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.

The Telangana Drugs Control Administration on Saturday released an urgent advisory asking the public to immediately stop using Almont-Kid Syrup, a medicine commonly given to children for allergies, hay fever, and asthma, after it was allegedly found to be contaminated with Ethylene Glycol (EG), a highly poisonous chemical.

In an official notice, the DCA said it received an alert from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), East Zone, Kolkata. A laboratory analysis flagged the syrup, which contains Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride and Montelukast Sodium, as adulterated.

Telangana Issues Notice For Children’s Syrup After Toxic Adulteration Found

The Telangana Drugs Control Administration (DCA) issued a warning advising people to stop using Almont-Kid Syrup after tests allegedly found Ethylene Glycol (EG) in the product. The syrup is commonly prescribed to children to relieve allergy-related symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itching, swelling, nasal congestion, and watery eyes. It is also used to manage asthma and certain skin allergies.

According to the DCA notice, the alert was triggered by a communication from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), East Zone, Kolkata, following a lab report that declared the Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride and Montelukast Sodium Syrup as adulterated.

The DCA stated, “In light of the above, the public is hereby strongly advised to immediately stop the use of the above syrup, if in possession, and report the same to the nearest Drugs Control Authority without delay.” Officials have instructed Drugs Inspectors and Assistant Directors across Telangana to immediately inform retailers, wholesalers, distributors, and hospitals to freeze any available stock of the affected batch and ensure it is not sold or dispensed under any circumstances. The DCA has also urged members of the public to report if they have the syrup and to avoid using it altogether.

What Is Ethylene Glycol?

Ethylene glycol is a colourless, odourless, and low-volatility liquid, according to Science Direct. It has a low freezing point and a high boiling point, which is why it is widely used in antifreeze and de-icing products. Ethylene glycol has a sweet taste, which increases the risk of accidental ingestion, especially among children. Experts warn that untreated ingestion of ethylene glycol can result in severe illness and can be fatal, as per Cleveland Clinic.

What Is Ethylene Glycol Poisoning?

Ethylene glycol poisoning happens when the substance is swallowed. Once ingested, it is rapidly absorbed into the body, with peak levels usually reached within one to two hours. In the first 30 minutes to 12 hours, symptoms can resemble alcohol intoxication and may include dizziness, euphoria, slurred speech, nausea, vomiting, and problems with coordination. In severe cases, this stage can progress to seizures or coma due to the chemical’s direct toxic effects on the brain.

During the next phase, typically between 12 and 36 hours, the body breaks down ethylene glycol into harmful acids such as glycolic acid. This leads to metabolic acidosis, fast heart rate, rapid breathing, low calcium levels, muscle spasms, and possible heart failure. Without timely medical treatment, this stage can be life-threatening. Between 36 and 72 hours after ingestion, kidney injury may develop as oxalate crystals form, potentially causing acute kidney failure, reduced or absent urine output, brain swelling, and long-term organ damage.

Impact Of Ethylene Glycol Poisoning

Ethylene glycol poisoning can cause serious and potentially fatal complications because its toxic byproducts affect multiple organs. Some of the key impacts, as per Mayo Clinic, include:

Brain and Nervous System Damage: In the early phase, the toxin can cause confusion similar to intoxication, seizures, and coma due to its direct effect on the nervous system. Later on, acid buildup can lead to brain swelling and encephalopathy. If untreated, this may result in permanent brain damage, stroke-like symptoms, or death.

Heart and Lung Failure: Glycolic acid can trigger severe metabolic acidosis, leading to rapid or irregular heartbeats, dangerously high or low blood pressure, and heart failure. This may progress to fluid buildup in the lungs, breathing failure with deep and rapid breaths, and eventual circulatory collapse.

Kidney Damage: The formation of oxalate crystals in the kidneys can cause acute tubular necrosis, flank pain, blood in the urine, and reduced or stopped urine production. In some cases, acute kidney injury progresses to complete kidney failure, which may be permanent and require long-term dialysis or a transplant.

Multi-Organ Collapse: Ethylene glycol disrupts normal cellular function, leading to low calcium levels, muscle spasms, tremors, and lactic acidosis. In severe and untreated cases, this can result in shock, failure of multiple organs, and death.

Long-Term Consequences: People who survive ethylene glycol poisoning may experience lasting health problems such as chronic kidney disease, nerve damage, or heart complications. Outcomes are significantly worse when treatment is delayed or when the patient develops seizures, coma, or severe acidosis.

A fast-spreading new flu variant driving a sharp rise in infections across the state is bringing with it symptoms that differ from what many people usually associate with influenza.

With flu activity now classified as “very high” in Illinois, health experts say a mutated and highly contagious strain known as subclade K is changing how the illness shows up, particularly when it comes to fever patterns. One of the biggest differences doctors are seeing is how intense and long-lasting fevers have become, especially among children.

“There’s more fever with the flu this year than people are used to,” said Dr. Mark Loafman, chair of Family and Community Medicine at Cook County Health, speaking to NBC Chicago. “The fever can last five to seven days, and that’s concerning. You feel sick, you don’t feel like you’re improving, and that can be worrying.”

Adding to the concern, Dr. Juanita Mora, national spokesperson for the American Lung Association, as per NBC News, said some patients are finding that common fever-reducing medicines such as Tylenol or Motrin are not working as effectively. “This strain is causing very high fevers,” Mora said. “There’s also a severe cough that just doesn’t go away, a lot of phlegm, vomiting, diarrhoea, and significant joint and muscle pain.”

Influenza Flu Symptoms To Watch For

Vomiting has never been among the most typical flu symptoms, though it does occur more often in children. What doctors are now noticing with this strain is an increase in gastrointestinal symptoms among adults as well.

“Kids with the flu often experience nausea or vomiting,” Loafman explained. “Adults usually don’t as much, but we are hearing more reports of GI symptoms in adults who have this subclade K strain.” Because of this, he said flu should not be ruled out just because stomach symptoms are present.

“If you have GI issues along with body aches, fever, and respiratory symptoms, flu is still very much a possibility,” he said, adding that at-home flu tests can be useful if someone suspects they are infected.

Warnings have already been issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health and several county health departments as flu-related hospital admissions and positive test results continue to climb.

According to the latest state update released Monday, flu activity has reached “very high” levels, the most severe category used by the CDC to track respiratory illness trends.

Health officials say most emergency room visits and hospital admissions related to respiratory illness are currently being driven by flu cases.

Common Flu Symptoms To Know

Flu symptoms typically appear one to four days after exposure, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

The CDC lists the following common symptoms:

• Fever or feeling feverish, along with chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or blocked nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Vomiting and diarrhoea, which are more common in children than adults

Not everyone with the flu will develop a fever. However, health officials note that gastrointestinal symptoms are being reported more often in adults with the new strain.

Influenza Flu Warning Signs To Watch For

Because this variant is linked to higher and longer-lasting fevers, Mora said it is crucial to recognise when medical care is needed.

“High fevers that don’t come down are one warning sign,” she said. “Another is trouble breathing, including wheezing, chest muscle use, or a cough that won’t stop. And dehydration is a major concern, especially if someone is barely eating or drinking.”

The CDC outlines different warning signs for children and adults.

In children:

• Rapid or laboured breathing
• Bluish lips or face
• Ribs pulling in with each breath
• Chest pain
• Severe muscle pain or refusal to walk
• Signs of dehydration such as no urine for eight hours, dry mouth, or no tears when crying
• Lack of alertness or interaction
• Seizures
• Fever above 104°F that does not respond to medication
• Any fever in infants under 12 weeks
• Symptoms that improve and then worsen
• Worsening of existing medical conditions

In adults:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Ongoing chest or abdominal pain
• Dizziness, confusion, or difficulty waking
• Seizures
• Little or no urination
• Severe muscle pain
• Extreme weakness or unsteadiness
• Symptoms that return or worsen after improving
• Worsening of chronic illnesses

How Long Is Flu Contagious?

According to the CDC, people can spread the flu starting about one day before symptoms appear and up to seven days afterward. Most people are most contagious around three days into the illness. Young children and those with weakened immune systems may remain contagious longer.

“It’s usually about five to seven days from when symptoms start before people stop shedding high levels of the virus,” Loafman said. “Ten days is very cautious, but not always necessary.”

He advised masking around vulnerable people during the first week, practicing good hand hygiene, and staying home whenever possible. “If you can stay in, stay home,” he said, as per NBC News.

Environmental and public health scientists have begun warning against the dangers of having free living amoeba in water systems that are capable of triggering severe diseases in humans.

In a recent perspective article published in Biocontaminant, the researchers noted that climate change, deteriorating water infrastructure and limited systems for monitoring and detection are the key factors that have allowed these pathogens to spread and persist.

Corresponding author Longfei Shu of Sun Yat sen University explained: "What makes these organisms particularly dangerous is their ability to survive conditions that kill many other microbes.

"They can tolerate high temperatures, strong disinfectants like chlorine and even live inside water distribution systems that people assume are safe."

The scientists also emphasized that not only can amoebae spread illnesses on its own, it can also act as hidden carriers for other harmful microbes.

By sheltering bacteria and viruses inside their cells, amoeba these unicelled organisms protect these pathogens from disinfection and help them persist and spread in drinking water systems. This so-called Trojan horse effect may also contribute to the spread of antibiotic resistance among humans.

How Dangerous Is Amoeba?

Amoeba are single-celled organisms that naturally live in soil and water. Most species do not cause harm yet some can prove to be fatal.

Some of the diseases caused by this kind of bacteria include Amebiasis (Amoebic Dysentery), an intestinal infection by Entamoeba histolytica, causing diarrhea, cramps and potential liver abscesses as well as Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) from Naegleria fowleri, a rare but nearly always fatal brain infection from contaminated water entering the nose.

Effects of amoeba-caused infections range from intestinal issues (liver abscesses, anemia, peritonitis) to severe neurological damage (coma, seizures, death) from brain-eating types, with Acanthamoeba causing eye infections (keratitis).

Experts recommend thoroughly washing your hands after toilet use and before handling food, drinking clean water especially in unsanitary conditions and avoiding getting water up your nose in warm freshwater to prevent such infections.

The Indore Crisis

This comes days after the recent Indore sewage water controversy which has claimed the lives 10 people and left over 1,400 people hospitalized, according to Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava.

However, locals claim that the outbreak has instead caused the death of 17 residents, including a six-month-child. The situation has also left Parvati Bai, 67, with kidney failure, a brain stroke and symptoms of Guillain-Barré Syndrome, or GBS.

GBS is a rare condition where your immune system attacks the nervous system and can cause paralysis as well as death, in certain cases.

The outbreak occurred due to lapses in civic infrastructure. Investigation revealed that a toilet constructed directly above a main drinking pipeline near a police outpost, without a mandatory safety tank resulted in the sewage mixing with drinking water.