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Trending Patient News: Week of March 2, 2026
Keeping you a step ahead is our priority. That's why we've gathered some of the top stories your patients might be seeing. Here are this week's highlights:
Experts issue warning on ebola‑like virus that has already reached the US
(Newsweek)—Researchers warn that Lassa fever, a rodent‑borne, Ebola‑like viral illness causing symptoms ranging from fever to severe bleeding, is under‑detected and has already appeared in imported U.S. cases, highlighting the urgent need for better diagnostics and supportive care. Read more
Could popular weight loss drugs become the new treatment for addiction?
(CNN)—Emerging evidence shows that widely used GLP‑1s such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound may dampen reward‑pathway cravings and are now being tested in large trials as potential treatments for alcohol and other substance‑use disorders. Read more
What to know about the virus with no vaccine, treatment hitting certain states
(USA Today)—Rising cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV)—a seasonal respiratory infection with no vaccine or targeted antiviral therapy—are being detected in states like California and New Jersey, prompting public‑health reminders about supportive care for symptoms. Read more
What is the #BiteTheLemonChallenge? Celebs pucker up for endometriosis awareness
(Today)—The challenge asks participants to film themselves biting into a lemon wedge to symbolize the sudden, sharp pain of endometriosis and then nominate others to spread awareness during Endometriosis Awareness Month. Read more
How a pacemaker for the brain could help Parkinson’s patients
(CNN)—An adaptive deep brain stimulation device—essentially a brain “pacemaker” that senses neural activity and adjusts pulses in real time—is showing promise in reducing tremors and cognitive “fog” for people with Parkinson’s disease. Read more
How social media affects teen mental health (and what to do about it)
(Newsweek)—Research shows that excessive or emotionally intense social‑media use is associated with teen depression, sleep disruption, and eating disorders, underscoring the Surgeon General’s warning and the need for parental guidance on boundaries and digital literacy. Read more
Gen Z flocks to Chinese medicine as trust in US health system plummets: ‘It’s so personalized to being human’
(The Guardian)—Young adults are embracing traditional Chinese medicine practices—such as qigong, acupuncture, cupping, herbal remedies, and gua sha—as part of a broader trend toward personalized, holistic wellness amid declining trust in U.S. health institutions. Read more
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