Search

The article discusses the case of a patient diagnosed with Powasan virus encephalitis. Topics discussed include the patient's clinical presentation of fever, headache and progressive encephalopathy, differential diagnosis which include bacterial, fungal and arthropod-borne virus infections, and the results of laboratory tests, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head. Also discussed are the characteristics of Powassan flavivirus and the treatment of the patient.

The authors comment on research published within the issue, that examined the detrimental environmental effects of burning fossil fuel. Topics discussed include disruption of climate system such as flooding, droughts and wildfires, the greenhouse gas emissions of the health care system in the U.S., and the responsibility of physicians to safeguard health and alleviate suffering.

The article describes the case of a 54-year-old man who presented with decreased central vision in his left eye and a rash. It says that prior to the man's admission to the hospital, he was diagnosed with stage IIB Hodgkin's lymphoma and he underwent treatment, which included chemotherapy, for 4 months. Five months before admission, the patient developed a macular rash on the trunk, associated with low-grade fevers. One doctor states the possibility of a disorder of the optic nerve or retina due to sudden monocular loss of central vision.