Deportation: A public health crisis?; peanut patches; concussions and car crashes – Morning Medical Update

Deportation: A public health crisis?

U.S. immigration enforcement and deportation policies are causing widespread physical and mental harm, according to public health researchers from five major universities writing in Health Affairs. The authors argue that deportation is a violent act inconsistent with public health principles, citing evidence that fear of raids and detention deters immigrants from seeking medical care, reporting crimes or accessing public benefits. These effects ripple through communities, increasing stress and economic instability. The researchers advocate for policies that “divest from deportation violence,” expand access to identification and health care, and build trust through privacy protections and community support networks.

“Health care professionals have a long history of using their voices to influence policy,” the authors said. “They must now work to inform their representatives about the importance of divesting from deportation violence and investing in communities by adequately funding education, health care, infrastructure and research.” Phys.org has more.

Peanut patches

Toddlers treated with the Viaskin Peanut Patch for three years were able to tolerate substantially more peanut protein while maintaining an excellent safety record, according to findings presented at the 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. After extended treatment, more than 70% of participants could safely tolerate the equivalent of three to four peanut kernels, and nearly half could handle higher amounts. No treatment-related anaphylaxis occurred, and skin irritation — typically the most common side effect — declined over time.

Concussions and car crashes

Adults recovering from a concussion may face a 50% higher risk of a serious traffic crash, according to a population-based study from ICES and Sunnybrook Research Institute published in BMJ Open. The risk was greatest in the first four weeks after injury and rose with repeated concussions, with one in 13 patients later injured in a crash. Researchers said lingering symptoms like dizziness, insomnia and slowed reaction times may impair driving and even endanger pedestrians. The study attributed post-concussion traffic incidents to over 1,600 ambulance calls, nearly 60,000 hospital days, and $835 million in medical costs.