Close to two-thirds of US drug production facilities are in counties that have had hurricanes, wildfires or other disasters in the past six years, posing significant supply chain risks, according to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Natural disasters have caused drug shortages in the past, and the findings highlight the importance of considering climate-related vulnerabilities in the supply chain, researchers wrote.

The risk of developing Parkinson's disease is 29% higher for people with metabolic syndrome, according to a study in the journal Neurology based on pooled data for almost 25 million people. Researchers said the findings suggest metabolic syndrome may be a modifiable risk factor, while noting that the study is not able to tell if there is a causal relationship.

Louisian has seen an increase in cases of flesh-eating bacteria such as Vibrio vulnificus among beachgoers and others exposed to coastal waters and sometimes seafood. While other states have not reported increases, they are still in peak season for exposure. Most people affected have been in Gulf states, but Massachusetts has also reported a case this year.

Research from JAMA Network Open highlights that adolescents and young adults with cancer experience higher anxiety and depression rates than older adults. The study emphasizes the urgent need for mental health interventions tailored to younger cancer patients, especially given the rising suicide rates in this group.

A review published in the journal Tobacco Control found that vaping may increase the likelihood of cigarette smoking among youth. The analysis of 56 prior reviews also noted a significant association between e-cigarette use and asthma, excessive alcohol consumption and other substance use.

A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that 42.1% of primary care prescriptions globally include antibiotics. Researchers also found that antibiotic prescribing has not declined significantly over the past 20 years, noting that current antimicrobial stewardship strategies should be reviewed.

A two-year, nurse-led phone intervention was associated with significant reductions in BMI in preschool children, especially those from lower-income families, according to a study in the International Journal of Obesity. The program, which included support calls and text messages, led to better dietary habits and less screen time.

The Washington Post and the New York Times are reporting that the Justice Department has issued subpoenas to large health systems seeking detailed information on gender-affirming care provided for young patients. The information demanded includes patient birth dates, Social Security numbers and addresses; billing documents; voicemails and text messages dating back to January 2020. The CMS has also demanded information on gender-affirming care for young patients and exerted financial pressure on hospitals to provide the information.