Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

Brain-Eating Amoeba Kills A Person In South Carolina After Possible Exposure During Swimming

A Midlands resident has died after contracting a brain-eating amoeba, most likely from exposure to Lake Murray, according to South Carolina’s Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). The infection, caused by <span>Naegleria fowleri</span>, is rare but almost always fatal. The patient, treated at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital, marks South Carolina’s first reported case since 2016. While officials stress the rarity of such infections, the death has left the community rattled and raises urgent questions about safety in warm freshwater environments.

Naegleria fowleri is not a virus or a bacteria, but a free-living amoeba—an invisible, single-celled organism that thrives in warm freshwater. It’s most commonly found in lakes, rivers, hot springs, and warm water discharges from industrial plants. It can even survive in poorly chlorinated swimming pools and contaminated tap water used in neti pots.

But here's the crucial point: it doesn’t infect through drinking water. Instead, it enters the body through the nose—typically when someone jumps or dives into warm, stagnant water. From there, it travels along the olfactory nerve into the brain, where it causes a swift and devastating infection known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that Naegleria fowleri infections are exceedingly rare. From 1962 to 2021, there have only been 154 documented cases in the U.S., with just four survivors. The infection is fatal in over 97% of cases.

The infected patient, whose identity remains confidential, was being treated at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital in Columbia. Dr. Anna-Kathryn Burch, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at the hospital, confirmed the death and stated that the team consulted with the CDC during the patient’s treatment.

While DHEC initially stated only that the infection was from the Midlands region, it later confirmed that Lake Murray was the suspected source. Lake Murray, a popular recreation spot for boating, swimming, and fishing, draws thousands of visitors in the summer months. Officials emphasized that Naegleria fowleri exists naturally in many warm freshwater bodies and that human infection is extremely uncommon.

Between 2010 and 2022, only three cases were reported in South Carolina. Nationwide, there were 40 cases over the same period.

<h2>Symptoms of Brain-Eating Amoeba (Naegleria fowleri)</h2>

The symptoms of Naegleria fowleri infection usually start within 1 to 12 days of exposure and can mimic those of bacterial meningitis. Early signs include:

<ul><li>Headache</li><li>Fever</li><li>Nausea or vomiting</li><li>Stiff neck</li></ul>

As the disease progresses rapidly, more severe neurological symptoms emerge:

<ul><li>Confusion</li><li>Seizures</li><li>Loss of balance</li><li>Hallucinations</li><li>Coma</li></ul>

Death typically occurs within five days of symptom onset, though the range can be from one to twelve days. Because it is so rare and presents like other conditions, PAM is often misdiagnosed or diagnosed too late for treatment to be effective.

Health experts stress that while the disease is horrifying, the actual risk of infection is extremely low. That said, there are simple precautions people can take to lower the risk even further:

Avoid diving or jumping into warm, stagnant freshwater—especially in the heat of summer when water levels are low. The amoeba is most likely to be found in sediment near the bottom, so stirring up the lake bed should be avoided.

Use nose clips or hold your nose shut when swimming, especially in freshwater lakes or rivers. Even better? Avoid putting your head underwater altogether.

Avoid digging or disturbing sediment in warm, shallow freshwater bodies.

Be cautious with nasal rinses, if you use a neti pot or other nasal irrigation device, make sure to use sterile, distilled, or previously boiled water—not tap water.

Watch the water conditions, health officials recommend staying out of freshwater bodies when the temperature is high and the water level is low, conditions that are favorable to Naegleria fowleri.

There’s no need for mass panic. The CDC and state health departments agree: Naegleria fowleri infections are tragic but exceedingly rare. You are far more likely to be struck by lightning than to contract PAM.

Still, this case serves as a stark reminder that nature—especially warm freshwater ecosystems—is not without risk. As climate change drives global temperatures higher, water bodies may warm earlier and stay warmer longer, creating a more favorable environment for heat-loving microbes like Naegleria fowleri.

Local residents have expressed concern, and rightly so. It’s unsettling to learn that a routine summer swim could potentially lead to such a devastating outcome. But the emphasis from experts remains steady: education, awareness, and smart precautions are your best defense.

The South Carolina Department of Health and Prisma Health are now walking a fine line—providing the public with necessary warnings without fueling fear. The goal isn't to deter people from enjoying lakes and rivers, but to educate them on how to reduce exposure risks. The public health messaging aims to empower, not alarm.

This case has already prompted renewed calls for public education campaigns around freshwater safety, including safe swimming practices and proper use of nasal irrigation.

A life has been lost—a stark reminder of how fragile and unpredictable our interactions with nature can be. But it’s also a call to action. The presence of Naegleria fowleri isn’t new, but our understanding of it—and our strategies for prevention—can always improve.

As we head into the heart of summer, it’s vital that we balance the joy of outdoor recreation with an awareness of the rare but real risks. The death at Lake Murray should not drive us away from nature, but instead remind us to treat it with the respect and caution it deserves.

If you or your children experience sudden severe headache, fever, or neurological symptoms after swimming in freshwater, seek immediate medical attention. Early diagnosis could save a life.

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brain eating amoeba

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freshwater swimming risks

sc health alert

amoeba brain infection

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A Midlands resident has died after contracting a brain-eating amoeba, most likely from exposure to Lake Murray, according to South Carolina’s Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). The infection, caused by Naegleria fowleri, is rare but almost always fatal. The patient, treated at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital, marks South Carolina’s first reported case since 2016. While officials stress the rarity of such infections, the death has left the community rattled and raises urgent questions about safety in warm freshwater environments.Naegleria fowleri is not a virus or a bacteria, but a free-living amoeba—an invisible, single-celled organism that thrives in warm freshwater. It’s most commonly found in lakes, rivers, hot springs, and warm water discharges from industrial plants. It can even survive in poorly chlorinated swimming pools and contaminated tap water used in neti pots.But here's the crucial point: it doesn’t infect through drinking water. Instead, it enters the body through the nose—typically when someone jumps or dives into warm, stagnant water. From there, it travels along the olfactory nerve into the brain, where it causes a swift and devastating infection known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that Naegleria fowleri infections are exceedingly rare. From 1962 to 2021, there have only been 154 documented cases in the U.S., with just four survivors. The infection is fatal in over 97% of cases.The infected patient, whose identity remains confidential, was being treated at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital in Columbia. Dr. Anna-Kathryn Burch, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at the hospital, confirmed the death and stated that the team consulted with the CDC during the patient’s treatment.While DHEC initially stated only that the infection was from the Midlands region, it later confirmed that Lake Murray was the suspected source. Lake Murray, a popular recreation spot for boating, swimming, and fishing, draws thousands of visitors in the summer months. Officials emphasized that Naegleria fowleri exists naturally in many warm freshwater bodies and that human infection is extremely uncommon.Between 2010 and 2022, only three cases were reported in South Carolina. Nationwide, there were 40 cases over the same period.Symptoms of Brain-Eating Amoeba (Naegleria fowleri)The symptoms of Naegleria fowleri infection usually start within 1 to 12 days of exposure and can mimic those of bacterial meningitis. Early signs include:HeadacheFeverNausea or vomitingStiff neckAs the disease progresses rapidly, more severe neurological symptoms emerge:ConfusionSeizuresLoss of balanceHallucinationsComaDeath typically occurs within five days of symptom onset, though the range can be from one to twelve days. Because it is so rare and presents like other conditions, PAM is often misdiagnosed or diagnosed too late for treatment to be effective.How Can You Protect Yourself?Health experts stress that while the disease is horrifying, the actual risk of infection is extremely low. That said, there are simple precautions people can take to lower the risk even further:Avoid diving or jumping into warm, stagnant freshwater—especially in the heat of summer when water levels are low. The amoeba is most likely to be found in sediment near the bottom, so stirring up the lake bed should be avoided.Use nose clips or hold your nose shut when swimming, especially in freshwater lakes or rivers. Even better? Avoid putting your head underwater altogether.Avoid digging or disturbing sediment in warm, shallow freshwater bodies.Be cautious with nasal rinses, if you use a neti pot or other nasal irrigation device, make sure to use sterile, distilled, or previously boiled water—not tap water.Watch the water conditions, health officials recommend staying out of freshwater bodies when the temperature is high and the water level is low, conditions that are favorable to Naegleria fowleri.Should We Be Worried?There’s no need for mass panic. The CDC and state health departments agree: Naegleria fowleri infections are tragic but exceedingly rare. You are far more likely to be struck by lightning than to contract PAM.Still, this case serves as a stark reminder that nature—especially warm freshwater ecosystems—is not without risk. As climate change drives global temperatures higher, water bodies may warm earlier and stay warmer longer, creating a more favorable environment for heat-loving microbes like Naegleria fowleri.Local residents have expressed concern, and rightly so. It’s unsettling to learn that a routine summer swim could potentially lead to such a devastating outcome. But the emphasis from experts remains steady: education, awareness, and smart precautions are your best defense.The South Carolina Department of Health and Prisma Health are now walking a fine line—providing the public with necessary warnings without fueling fear. The goal isn't to deter people from enjoying lakes and rivers, but to educate them on how to reduce exposure risks. The public health messaging aims to empower, not alarm.This case has already prompted renewed calls for public education campaigns around freshwater safety, including safe swimming practices and proper use of nasal irrigation.A life has been lost—a stark reminder of how fragile and unpredictable our interactions with nature can be. But it’s also a call to action. The presence of Naegleria fowleri isn’t new, but our understanding of it—and our strategies for prevention—can always improve.As we head into the heart of summer, it’s vital that we balance the joy of outdoor recreation with an awareness of the rare but real risks. The death at Lake Murray should not drive us away from nature, but instead remind us to treat it with the respect and caution it deserves.If you or your children experience sudden severe headache, fever, or neurological symptoms after swimming in freshwater, seek immediate medical attention. Early diagnosis could save a life.

brain-eating amoeba kills a person in south carolina after possible exposure during swimming

Ishita Roy

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<strong><span rel="noindex">Neil Hopper</span> Case: </strong>In a shocking case that has sent ripples through both the medical and legal communities, a well-known surgeon from Cornwall has appeared in court facing serious charges of fraud and conspiracy to inflict grievous bodily harm.

<h4>Surgeon Allegedly Lied About Losing Legs to Sepsis</h4>

Neil Hopper, 49, a vascular surgeon from Truro, was charged following a two-and-a-half-year investigation by Devon and Cornwall Police. Hopper, who formerly worked at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, had previously claimed that both his legs were amputated due to sepsis in 2019. This was a narrative he publicly shared in media interviews and professional settings.

However, police now allege that this story was fabricated. Hopper has been charged with two counts of fraud by false representation. According to prosecutors, in 2019, he "dishonestly made a false representation to insurers, namely the injuries to his legs were the result of sepsis and were not self-inflicted, intending to make a gain." 

Authorities allege he sought payouts of £235,622 and £231,031 from two different insurance providers by falsely stating that the amputations were a result of a life-threatening infection rather than intentional self-harm.

Disturbing Links to Amputation Fetish Videos

In an even more disturbing twist, Hopper is also facing a third charge, encouraging or assisting in the commission of grievous bodily harm. Between August 2018 and December 2020, he allegedly purchased videos from a website known as <span>The Eunuch Maker</span>, which featured graphic footage of limb removals. It is further alleged that he encouraged a man named <span>Marius Gustavson</span> to carry out the physical mutilation of third parties.

Gustavson is a known figure in an ongoing investigation involving online communities where extreme body modification and voluntary amputation are discussed and performed. The implications of this connection are deeply troubling, with police still investigating the broader network of individuals possibly involved.

Hopper appeared via custody for a 40-minute hearing at Cornwall Magistrates Court in Bodmin, where he did not enter pleas to any of the charges. A bail application was submitted but denied. He has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear before a judge at Truro Crown Court on August 26.

A spokesperson for the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust responded to the news by clarifying that the charges do not relate to Hopper’s professional conduct while employed at the hospital, as The Guardian reports. "There has been no evidence to suggest any risk to patients. Mr Hopper worked at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals from 2013 until he was suspended from duty in March 2023, following his initial arrest," the statement read.

The Trust has urged former patients with questions or concerns to contact their Patient Experience Team at 01872 252793 or via email at rcht.patientexperience@nhs.net.

Previous Media Appearances Now Under Scrutiny

Hopper's story of survival had previously been shared as a tale of resilience and medical inspiration. 

In a 2023 interview with the BBC, he recounted his fear of power tools before undergoing his own double amputation. This is also a fear familiar to many patients he had treated.

"I do quite a lot of amputations and the one thing that kept going around in my mind was power tools. The thought of power tools being used on me was icky. It was really weird," he said in the interview. 

Hopper claimed he was able to walk again just three hours after his surgery, far faster than the average recovery time of three months, and said he had become more active since losing his legs. He was even shortlisted in the European Space Agency’s search for an astronaut with a disability.

Now, with these charges looming, that narrative is being re-examined in a very different light. Investigations are ongoing.

Neil Hopper

marius gustavson

the eunuch maker

health news

health news UK

Neil Hopper Case: In a shocking case that has sent ripples through both the medical and legal communities, a well-known surgeon from Cornwall has appeared in court facing serious charges of fraud and conspiracy to inflict grievous bodily harm.Surgeon Allegedly Lied About Losing Legs to SepsisNeil Hopper, 49, a vascular surgeon from Truro, was charged following a two-and-a-half-year investigation by Devon and Cornwall Police. Hopper, who formerly worked at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, had previously claimed that both his legs were amputated due to sepsis in 2019. This was a narrative he publicly shared in media interviews and professional settings.However, police now allege that this story was fabricated. Hopper has been charged with two counts of fraud by false representation. According to prosecutors, in 2019, he "dishonestly made a false representation to insurers, namely the injuries to his legs were the result of sepsis and were not self-inflicted, intending to make a gain." Authorities allege he sought payouts of £235,622 and £231,031 from two different insurance providers by falsely stating that the amputations were a result of a life-threatening infection rather than intentional self-harm.Disturbing Links to Amputation Fetish VideosIn an even more disturbing twist, Hopper is also facing a third charge, encouraging or assisting in the commission of grievous bodily harm. Between August 2018 and December 2020, he allegedly purchased videos from a website known as The Eunuch Maker, which featured graphic footage of limb removals. It is further alleged that he encouraged a man named Marius Gustavson to carry out the physical mutilation of third parties.Gustavson is a known figure in an ongoing investigation involving online communities where extreme body modification and voluntary amputation are discussed and performed. The implications of this connection are deeply troubling, with police still investigating the broader network of individuals possibly involved.Court Appearance and Trust ResponseHopper appeared via custody for a 40-minute hearing at Cornwall Magistrates Court in Bodmin, where he did not enter pleas to any of the charges. A bail application was submitted but denied. He has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear before a judge at Truro Crown Court on August 26.A spokesperson for the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust responded to the news by clarifying that the charges do not relate to Hopper’s professional conduct while employed at the hospital, as The Guardian reports. "There has been no evidence to suggest any risk to patients. Mr Hopper worked at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals from 2013 until he was suspended from duty in March 2023, following his initial arrest," the statement read.The Trust has urged former patients with questions or concerns to contact their Patient Experience Team at 01872 252793 or via email at rcht.patientexperience@nhs.net.Previous Media Appearances Now Under ScrutinyHopper's story of survival had previously been shared as a tale of resilience and medical inspiration. In a 2023 interview with the BBC, he recounted his fear of power tools before undergoing his own double amputation. This is also a fear familiar to many patients he had treated."I do quite a lot of amputations and the one thing that kept going around in my mind was power tools. The thought of power tools being used on me was icky. It was really weird," he said in the interview. Hopper claimed he was able to walk again just three hours after his surgery, far faster than the average recovery time of three months, and said he had become more active since losing his legs. He was even shortlisted in the European Space Agency’s search for an astronaut with a disability.Now, with these charges looming, that narrative is being re-examined in a very different light. Investigations are ongoing.

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The Health and Human Services Department on Wednesday said it adopted a recommendation from Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s vaccine advisers to remove from all influenza shots a preservative that anti-vaccine activists have suggested is linked to autism.

The move hinged on the widely discredited belief that the mercury-containing compound, thimerosal, is harmful at the level at which it's included in vaccines.

Despite the lack of evidence of harm, most Americans who get flu vaccines already receive products without thimerosal.

The latest: Kennedy, in a statement, said the action fulfilled a promise to protect vulnerable populations from unnecessary mercury exposure.

"Injecting any amount of mercury into children when safe, mercury-free alternatives exist defies common sense and public health responsibility," Kennedy said. "Today, we put safety first."

The Centers for Disease Control customarily acts on such recommendations. But because the CDC lacks a full-time political leader, Kennedy signed the recommendation.

HHS said that vaccine manufacturers confirmed that they have the capacity to replace multi-dose vials containing the preservative so that the federal Vaccines for Children program and adult vaccine supplies won't be interrupted.

Kennedy's handpicked vaccine advisors voted 5-1 last month to no longer recommend that that Americans get flu shots containing thimerosal, following a presentation from a retired nurse and former president of Children's Health Defense, the anti-vaccine group with close ties to Kennedy.

The panel voted to recommend that children, pregnant women and adults only get single-dose seasonal flu vaccines that are thimerosal-free.

Kennedy has long promoted the belief that vaccines or other environmental factors have led to increased autism diagnoses in children.

The US Department of Health and Human Services has adopted a recommendation to remove thimerosal from all influenza vaccines distributed in the United States, even though there is no clear evidence of harm from the mercury-based preservative.

On July 23, the department announced that HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has formally signed the recommendation, which was made last month by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Kennedy’s signature means that the recommendation is now federal health policy.

“After more than two decades of delay, this action fulfills a long-overdue promise to protect our most vulnerable populations from unnecessary mercury exposure,” Kennedy said in the HHS announcement Wednesday. “Injecting any amount of mercury into children when safe, mercury-free alternatives exist defies common sense and public health responsibility. Today, we put safety first.”

Other recommendations from ACIP’s June meeting are currently under review, according to HHS.

Thimerosal was largely removed from most vaccines about 25 years ago. The US Food and Drug Administration asked manufacturers to remove it out of an abundance of caution, not because of evidence of harm, according to the CDC. All vaccines routinely recommended for young children are now available in doses that don’t have the preservative, which contains a form of mercury.

Flu vaccines drawn from multidose vials still contain thimerosal in order to prevent bacterial contamination. Only about 4% of flu vaccines given in the United States last year contained thimerosal as a preservative.

When ACIP voted in June to endorse thimerosal-free flu vaccines, it was among the panel’s first actions taken as a new committee that was appointed by Kennedy after he dismissed the previous panel, claiming that they had conflicts of interest.

In a series of three votes, the new ACIP panel voted 5-1, with one member abstaining, to recommend that only single-dose flu vaccines be given to children, adults and pregnant women in the United States. Single-dose shots are free of thimerosal.

Vaccines with thimerosal are still approved by the FDA, but ACIP recommendations are tremendously influential in how vaccines are used in the US, with implications for insurance coverage and state policies.

Robert F Kennedy Jr, the US health secretary, will formally require vaccine makers to remove thimerosal from vaccines.

The ingredient has been the target of anti-vaccine campaigns and misinformation for decades. Arguments against the preservative culminated in June, when a key federal vaccine advisory panel, remade with Kennedy’s ideological allies, recommended against the preservative.

The recommendation goes into force upon Kennedy’s signature.

There is no evidence thimerosal has caused harm, despite decades of use. The ethylmercury-based preservative was used in only about 5% adult influenza vaccines in the US, helping prevent contamination in multi-dose vials.

“After more than two decades of delay, this action fulfills a long-overdue promise to protect our most vulnerable populations from unnecessary mercury exposure,” Kennedy said in a statement announcing the decision.

a man in a sweat-soaked shirt and jeans stands with his son atop a mountain, RFK Jr strides into new controversy: hiking in sweltering Arizona … in jeans

“Injecting any amount of mercury into children when safe, mercury-free alternatives exist defies common sense and public health responsibility. Today, we put safety first,” said Kennedy.

Thimerosal is an ethylmercury-based preservative – different from the kind of mercury found in seafood, called methylmercury. Ethylmercury has a shorter half-life in the body. The amount of ethylmercury contained in a flu vaccine (25 micrograms) is about half of that contained in a 3oz serving of canned tuna fish (40 micrograms).

The preservative has been used in vaccines since before the second world war. It was controversially phased out of most childhood vaccines in 1999, physicians associations said as a precautionary measure, and was contained in only a very small number of adult vaccines.

Phasing out the preservative in the early 2000s was criticized by experts who argued scientific evidence did not support its removal, that it sent mixed messages and that it provided a talking point for anti-vaccine campaigners. Indeed, the preservative was targeted for years to come.

That criticism came to a head in June, after Kennedy fired all 17 members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) advisory committee on immunization practices, a federal panel that was a critical link in the vaccine distribution pipeline.

Kennedy replaced the experts with eight hand-picked allies, including one directly from the anti-vaccine movement. Eventually, one appointee dropped out after a conflict of interest review.

The vaccine advisory panel voted in favor of removing thimerosal on a 5-1 vote (with one abstention) after a controversial presentation from Lyn Redwood, a former leader of World Mercury Project, the predecessor to Kennedy’s group Children’s Health Defense, itself a prolific anti-vaccine campaign group.

thimerosal removed flu vaccines

rfk jr vaccine policy

mercury in vaccines

flu shot thimerosal ban

autism vaccine myth

hhs vaccine advisory panel

single dose flu vaccines

The Health and Human Services Department on Wednesday said it adopted a recommendation from Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s vaccine advisers to remove from all influenza shots a preservative that anti-vaccine activists have suggested is linked to autism.The move hinged on the widely discredited belief that the mercury-containing compound, thimerosal, is harmful at the level at which it's included in vaccines.Despite the lack of evidence of harm, most Americans who get flu vaccines already receive products without thimerosal.The latest: Kennedy, in a statement, said the action fulfilled a promise to protect vulnerable populations from unnecessary mercury exposure."Injecting any amount of mercury into children when safe, mercury-free alternatives exist defies common sense and public health responsibility," Kennedy said. "Today, we put safety first."The Centers for Disease Control customarily acts on such recommendations. But because the CDC lacks a full-time political leader, Kennedy signed the recommendation.HHS said that vaccine manufacturers confirmed that they have the capacity to replace multi-dose vials containing the preservative so that the federal Vaccines for Children program and adult vaccine supplies won't be interrupted.Kennedy's handpicked vaccine advisors voted 5-1 last month to no longer recommend that that Americans get flu shots containing thimerosal, following a presentation from a retired nurse and former president of Children's Health Defense, the anti-vaccine group with close ties to Kennedy.The panel voted to recommend that children, pregnant women and adults only get single-dose seasonal flu vaccines that are thimerosal-free.Kennedy has long promoted the belief that vaccines or other environmental factors have led to increased autism diagnoses in children.The US Department of Health and Human Services has adopted a recommendation to remove thimerosal from all influenza vaccines distributed in the United States, even though there is no clear evidence of harm from the mercury-based preservative.On July 23, the department announced that HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has formally signed the recommendation, which was made last month by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Kennedy’s signature means that the recommendation is now federal health policy.“After more than two decades of delay, this action fulfills a long-overdue promise to protect our most vulnerable populations from unnecessary mercury exposure,” Kennedy said in the HHS announcement Wednesday. “Injecting any amount of mercury into children when safe, mercury-free alternatives exist defies common sense and public health responsibility. Today, we put safety first.”Other recommendations from ACIP’s June meeting are currently under review, according to HHS.Thimerosal was largely removed from most vaccines about 25 years ago. The US Food and Drug Administration asked manufacturers to remove it out of an abundance of caution, not because of evidence of harm, according to the CDC. All vaccines routinely recommended for young children are now available in doses that don’t have the preservative, which contains a form of mercury.Flu vaccines drawn from multidose vials still contain thimerosal in order to prevent bacterial contamination. Only about 4% of flu vaccines given in the United States last year contained thimerosal as a preservative.When ACIP voted in June to endorse thimerosal-free flu vaccines, it was among the panel’s first actions taken as a new committee that was appointed by Kennedy after he dismissed the previous panel, claiming that they had conflicts of interest.In a series of three votes, the new ACIP panel voted 5-1, with one member abstaining, to recommend that only single-dose flu vaccines be given to children, adults and pregnant women in the United States. Single-dose shots are free of thimerosal.Vaccines with thimerosal are still approved by the FDA, but ACIP recommendations are tremendously influential in how vaccines are used in the US, with implications for insurance coverage and state policies.Robert F Kennedy Jr, the US health secretary, will formally require vaccine makers to remove thimerosal from vaccines.The ingredient has been the target of anti-vaccine campaigns and misinformation for decades. Arguments against the preservative culminated in June, when a key federal vaccine advisory panel, remade with Kennedy’s ideological allies, recommended against the preservative.The recommendation goes into force upon Kennedy’s signature.There is no evidence thimerosal has caused harm, despite decades of use. The ethylmercury-based preservative was used in only about 5% adult influenza vaccines in the US, helping prevent contamination in multi-dose vials.“After more than two decades of delay, this action fulfills a long-overdue promise to protect our most vulnerable populations from unnecessary mercury exposure,” Kennedy said in a statement announcing the decision.a man in a sweat-soaked shirt and jeans stands with his son atop a mountain, RFK Jr strides into new controversy: hiking in sweltering Arizona … in jeans“Injecting any amount of mercury into children when safe, mercury-free alternatives exist defies common sense and public health responsibility. Today, we put safety first,” said Kennedy.Thimerosal is an ethylmercury-based preservative – different from the kind of mercury found in seafood, called methylmercury. Ethylmercury has a shorter half-life in the body. The amount of ethylmercury contained in a flu vaccine (25 micrograms) is about half of that contained in a 3oz serving of canned tuna fish (40 micrograms).The preservative has been used in vaccines since before the second world war. It was controversially phased out of most childhood vaccines in 1999, physicians associations said as a precautionary measure, and was contained in only a very small number of adult vaccines.Phasing out the preservative in the early 2000s was criticized by experts who argued scientific evidence did not support its removal, that it sent mixed messages and that it provided a talking point for anti-vaccine campaigners. Indeed, the preservative was targeted for years to come.That criticism came to a head in June, after Kennedy fired all 17 members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) advisory committee on immunization practices, a federal panel that was a critical link in the vaccine distribution pipeline.Kennedy replaced the experts with eight hand-picked allies, including one directly from the anti-vaccine movement. Eventually, one appointee dropped out after a conflict of interest review.The vaccine advisory panel voted in favor of removing thimerosal on a 5-1 vote (with one abstention) after a controversial presentation from Lyn Redwood, a former leader of World Mercury Project, the predecessor to Kennedy’s group Children’s Health Defense, itself a prolific anti-vaccine campaign group.

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When the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) convened a public expert panel to review the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during pregnancy, it re-opened a long-standing and highly charged conversation. At the center of the debate: how to weigh the risks of antidepressants to fetal development against the dangers of untreated maternal depression.

With no clear outcome or regulatory shift announced at the end of the meeting, the session highlighted just how divided experts remain over SSRIs—a class of drugs that includes some of the most commonly prescribed medications in the U.S., such as Prozac, Lexapro, and Zoloft.

The FDA forum, led by Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary, brought together perinatal psychiatrists, developmental biologists, epidemiologists, obstetricians, and <span>mental health</span> clinicians. The focus? Whether SSRIs prescribed during pregnancy need stronger warnings, including a potential “black box” label—the FDA’s most serious caution.

Dr. Makary opened the session with a sobering observation: nearly one in four middle-aged American women is on an antidepressant, and approximately 5% of pregnant women are prescribed SSRIs. Despite the increasing use of these drugs, he pointed out that the broader mental health picture in the U.S. hasn’t improved. “The more antidepressants we prescribe, the more depression there is,” he said, urging a deeper look at root causes instead of pharmaceutical fixes alone.

Nine of the ten panelists had previously voiced public concerns about SSRI safety or expressed skepticism toward antidepressant efficacy. Many cited studies indicating potential neurodevelopmental risks in babies exposed to SSRIs in utero. These include associations with autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, and other cognitive challenges.

However, these claims were not universally accepted. Independent researchers and clinicians noted that several of the studies referenced lacked proper controls, making it difficult to determine whether adverse outcomes were caused by the medications, the underlying depression itself, or other unrelated factors like maternal stress, environmental exposures, or socioeconomic influences.

Critically, many of the panelists underemphasized—or ignored entirely—the well-documented risks of untreated perinatal depression. Suicide remains one of the leading causes of maternal death in the first year postpartum. Depression during pregnancy has also been associated with premature birth, low birth weight, and impaired bonding with the baby.

There’s no question SSRIs, like any medication, carry risk. But context matters. SSRIs aren’t prescribed casually; they’re part of a personalized treatment plan that often includes psychotherapy, lifestyle interventions, and close monitoring.

Experts caution against blanket restrictions or alarmist warnings. While acknowledging the importance of ongoing research and transparency in labeling, several physicians worry that exaggerated claims could have unintended consequences—mainly, deterring pregnant women from seeking care.

“We need to be careful not to scare patients away from treatment that might be lifesaving,” said one perinatal psychiatrist unaffiliated with the FDA panel. “Depression doesn’t disappear during pregnancy. For many women, it gets worse.”

The debate over SSRIs isn’t happening in a vacuum. It’s unfolding against a backdrop of shifting political narratives around mental health, medication, and government oversight.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., now Health and Human Services Secretary under former President Trump, has been a vocal critic of SSRIs and other psychiatric medications. His “Make America Healthy Again” initiative frames SSRIs as part of a broader pharmaceutical overreach. He’s even gone so far as to claim a link between antidepressants and school shootings—an assertion for which no scientific evidence exists.

During the FDA panel discussion, one participant echoed Kennedy’s alarmist rhetoric, declaring, “Never before in human history have we chemically altered babies like this.” Comments like these, healthcare professionals argue, blur the line between evidence-based discussion and ideological fearmongering.

The reality on the ground is more nuanced. Clinicians treating pregnant patients with depression must weigh competing risks with every prescription. Factors like a woman’s mental health history, her past response to medications, current symptoms, support system, and overall health are all taken into account.

Many OB-GYNs and psychiatrists recommend continuing SSRIs during pregnancy if the patient has a history of severe depression or has responded well to the medication. The cost of relapse—both emotionally and physically—can be high. In contrast, women with milder symptoms might consider tapering off or trying non-drug therapies under medical supervision.

And while some studies suggest a possible association between SSRI use and neurodevelopmental issues in children, the evidence is not conclusive. In many cases, what appears to be a risk may be confounded by the effects of the illness itself.

Despite the heated debate, the FDA did not announce any immediate regulatory action following the panel meeting. An agency spokesperson emphasized that the session was part of “broader efforts to apply rigorous, evidence-based standards” in evaluating drug safety, particularly during sensitive periods like pregnancy.

Still, the session underscored a growing demand for more nuanced research and improved labeling that fully informs patients without generating unnecessary fear. The agency’s next steps remain unclear, but stakeholders on all sides agree: this is a conversation that’s far from over.

The question of whether selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can harm unborn babies is complex—and not definitively answered. SSRIs are widely prescribed to manage depression and anxiety, including during pregnancy. But recent scrutiny by an FDA advisory panel has reignited concerns about their safety, particularly in the first trimester when fetal development is most vulnerable.

Studies over the years have linked SSRI use in pregnancy to a small but possible increased risk of complications such as low birth weight, premature birth, neonatal adaptation syndrome (withdrawal-like symptoms in newborns), and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). Some data even suggest a potential link between early SSRI exposure and neurodevelopmental issues, including autism spectrum disorders, though these findings are inconclusive and often confounded by the severity of maternal depression itself.

On the flip side, untreated depression during pregnancy also carries serious risks—for both mother and child. It can lead to poor prenatal care, higher rates of substance use, inadequate nutrition, and increased risk of suicide or self-harm. These factors can impact fetal outcomes as well.

As public health agencies and professionals continue to assess the benefits and risks of SSRIs during pregnancy, one thing is clear: blanket judgments and politicized narratives don’t help patients. What pregnant individuals need is clear, evidence-based guidance—and compassionate, personalized care that prioritizes both maternal and fetal health.

SSRIs aren’t inherently harmful, but their use during pregnancy must be carefully evaluated. For some, the benefits outweigh the risks—especially when mental health is at stake. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

mental health

ssri during pregnancy

antidepressants fda panel

ssri fetal risks

depression in pregnancy

black box warning ssris

When the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) convened a public expert panel to review the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during pregnancy, it re-opened a long-standing and highly charged conversation. At the center of the debate: how to weigh the risks of antidepressants to fetal development against the dangers of untreated maternal depression.With no clear outcome or regulatory shift announced at the end of the meeting, the session highlighted just how divided experts remain over SSRIs—a class of drugs that includes some of the most commonly prescribed medications in the U.S., such as Prozac, Lexapro, and Zoloft.The FDA forum, led by Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary, brought together perinatal psychiatrists, developmental biologists, epidemiologists, obstetricians, and mental health clinicians. The focus? Whether SSRIs prescribed during pregnancy need stronger warnings, including a potential “black box” label—the FDA’s most serious caution.Dr. Makary opened the session with a sobering observation: nearly one in four middle-aged American women is on an antidepressant, and approximately 5% of pregnant women are prescribed SSRIs. Despite the increasing use of these drugs, he pointed out that the broader mental health picture in the U.S. hasn’t improved. “The more antidepressants we prescribe, the more depression there is,” he said, urging a deeper look at root causes instead of pharmaceutical fixes alone.Nine of the ten panelists had previously voiced public concerns about SSRI safety or expressed skepticism toward antidepressant efficacy. Many cited studies indicating potential neurodevelopmental risks in babies exposed to SSRIs in utero. These include associations with autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, and other cognitive challenges.However, these claims were not universally accepted. Independent researchers and clinicians noted that several of the studies referenced lacked proper controls, making it difficult to determine whether adverse outcomes were caused by the medications, the underlying depression itself, or other unrelated factors like maternal stress, environmental exposures, or socioeconomic influences.Critically, many of the panelists underemphasized—or ignored entirely—the well-documented risks of untreated perinatal depression. Suicide remains one of the leading causes of maternal death in the first year postpartum. Depression during pregnancy has also been associated with premature birth, low birth weight, and impaired bonding with the baby.There’s no question SSRIs, like any medication, carry risk. But context matters. SSRIs aren’t prescribed casually; they’re part of a personalized treatment plan that often includes psychotherapy, lifestyle interventions, and close monitoring.Experts caution against blanket restrictions or alarmist warnings. While acknowledging the importance of ongoing research and transparency in labeling, several physicians worry that exaggerated claims could have unintended consequences—mainly, deterring pregnant women from seeking care.“We need to be careful not to scare patients away from treatment that might be lifesaving,” said one perinatal psychiatrist unaffiliated with the FDA panel. “Depression doesn’t disappear during pregnancy. For many women, it gets worse.”The debate over SSRIs isn’t happening in a vacuum. It’s unfolding against a backdrop of shifting political narratives around mental health, medication, and government oversight.Robert F. Kennedy Jr., now Health and Human Services Secretary under former President Trump, has been a vocal critic of SSRIs and other psychiatric medications. His “Make America Healthy Again” initiative frames SSRIs as part of a broader pharmaceutical overreach. He’s even gone so far as to claim a link between antidepressants and school shootings—an assertion for which no scientific evidence exists.During the FDA panel discussion, one participant echoed Kennedy’s alarmist rhetoric, declaring, “Never before in human history have we chemically altered babies like this.” Comments like these, healthcare professionals argue, blur the line between evidence-based discussion and ideological fearmongering.The reality on the ground is more nuanced. Clinicians treating pregnant patients with depression must weigh competing risks with every prescription. Factors like a woman’s mental health history, her past response to medications, current symptoms, support system, and overall health are all taken into account.Many OB-GYNs and psychiatrists recommend continuing SSRIs during pregnancy if the patient has a history of severe depression or has responded well to the medication. The cost of relapse—both emotionally and physically—can be high. In contrast, women with milder symptoms might consider tapering off or trying non-drug therapies under medical supervision.And while some studies suggest a possible association between SSRI use and neurodevelopmental issues in children, the evidence is not conclusive. In many cases, what appears to be a risk may be confounded by the effects of the illness itself.Despite the heated debate, the FDA did not announce any immediate regulatory action following the panel meeting. An agency spokesperson emphasized that the session was part of “broader efforts to apply rigorous, evidence-based standards” in evaluating drug safety, particularly during sensitive periods like pregnancy.Still, the session underscored a growing demand for more nuanced research and improved labeling that fully informs patients without generating unnecessary fear. The agency’s next steps remain unclear, but stakeholders on all sides agree: this is a conversation that’s far from over.Can SSRIs Harm Unborn Babies?The question of whether selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can harm unborn babies is complex—and not definitively answered. SSRIs are widely prescribed to manage depression and anxiety, including during pregnancy. But recent scrutiny by an FDA advisory panel has reignited concerns about their safety, particularly in the first trimester when fetal development is most vulnerable.Studies over the years have linked SSRI use in pregnancy to a small but possible increased risk of complications such as low birth weight, premature birth, neonatal adaptation syndrome (withdrawal-like symptoms in newborns), and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). Some data even suggest a potential link between early SSRI exposure and neurodevelopmental issues, including autism spectrum disorders, though these findings are inconclusive and often confounded by the severity of maternal depression itself.On the flip side, untreated depression during pregnancy also carries serious risks—for both mother and child. It can lead to poor prenatal care, higher rates of substance use, inadequate nutrition, and increased risk of suicide or self-harm. These factors can impact fetal outcomes as well.As public health agencies and professionals continue to assess the benefits and risks of SSRIs during pregnancy, one thing is clear: blanket judgments and politicized narratives don’t help patients. What pregnant individuals need is clear, evidence-based guidance—and compassionate, personalized care that prioritizes both maternal and fetal health.The question of whether selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can harm unborn babies is complex—and not definitively answered. SSRIs are widely prescribed to manage depression and anxiety, including during pregnancy. But recent scrutiny by an FDA advisory panel has reignited concerns about their safety, particularly in the first trimester when fetal development is most vulnerable.Studies over the years have linked SSRI use in pregnancy to a small but possible increased risk of complications such as low birth weight, premature birth, neonatal adaptation syndrome (withdrawal-like symptoms in newborns), and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). Some data even suggest a potential link between early SSRI exposure and neurodevelopmental issues, including autism spectrum disorders, though these findings are inconclusive and often confounded by the severity of maternal depression itself.On the flip side, untreated depression during pregnancy also carries serious risks—for both mother and child. It can lead to poor prenatal care, higher rates of substance use, inadequate nutrition, and increased risk of suicide or self-harm. These factors can impact fetal outcomes as well.SSRIs aren’t inherently harmful, but their use during pregnancy must be carefully evaluated. For some, the benefits outweigh the risks—especially when mental health is at stake. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

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