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Half of underage buyers were able to buy tobacco; TB outbreak in Kansas City is significant, but not the largest in U.S. history; CVD remains the leading cause of death in the U.S. – Morning Medical Update

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Key Takeaways

  • Underage tobacco sales are prevalent, with 49.5% success rate for buyers aged 18-20, despite legal restrictions.
  • Electronic ID scanning significantly reduces underage tobacco sales, with only 3.2% success rate.
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© naum - stock.adobe.com

© naum - stock.adobe.com

Almost 50% of buyers younger than 21 were able to purchase tobacco

Researchers from Wake Forest University School of Medicine and Rutgers University found a high rate of underage tobacco sales despite laws in-place that prohibit the sale of tobacco products to anyone younger than 21. Published in JAMA Network Open, the study was conducted in stores across New Jersey from August of 2019 to September 2022 and found that businesses sold cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches to buyers, between the ages of 18 and 20, 49.5% of the time.

Roughly 60% of purchase attempts prompted ID checks, and about 15% of underage purchases were still completed following ID checks. Electronic ID scanning—which was used in 22.3% of purchase attempts—resulted in significantly lower rates of underage sales (3.2%).

Tuberculosis outbreak in Kansas City is significant, but not the largest in U.S. history

According to reports, an outbreak of tuberculosis (TB) in the area of Kansas City, Kansas, has developed into one of the largest cases recorded in the United States—but not the largest, as was previously reported by health officials. As of January 24, 67 people are being treated for active cases of TB, and another 79 have latent TB. The outbreak, which started in the area in January 2024, has resulted in two deaths. Reuters has more.

CVD remains leading cause of death in the U.S.

Earlier this week, the American Heart Association (AHA) published their “2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: A Report of U.S. and Global Data From the American Heart Association,” in their peer-reviewed journal, Circulation. The annual report revealed that cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death for Americans, as contributing factors are on the rise.

Keith Churchwell, MD, FAHA, volunteer president of AHA, pointed out that someone in the U.S. dies of CVD every 34 seconds—nearly 2,500 people per day. According to the report, there were 941,652 CVD-related deaths in the U.S. in 2022, an increase of more than 10,000 than the previous year. Although, the number appears to be leveling out following a major increase during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patient Care Online has more.

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