A poison control hotline in Alabama is fielding increased calls about ivermectin. That’s an animal dewormer that doctors are warning people not to try as a home remedy for COVID-19. Doctors say it's dangerous for people to self-dose, particularly with the large quantities given to animals. The Alabama Poison Information Center has fielded 24 ivermectin exposure cases so far this year, of which 15 were related to COVID-19 prevention and treatment. Another five calls have come into the center with people seeking information. By comparison, there were six total calls in 2019 and 12 in 2020.
Alabama Public Radio covered the issue of people seeking medical care from their veterinarians during our yearlong investigation of rural health in the State, which won the 50th annual Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award for award. That same night, APR was also named the first radio news operation to be honored with RFK Human Rights’ award for courage in journalism, “The John Seigenthaler Prize.” Click below to hear our documentary
