U.S. seeks international help to address IV fluid shortages after hurricanes
In response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, U.S. health officials are urgently coordinating international efforts to import intravenous (IV) fluids. These efforts aim to mitigate severe shortages that have already led hospitals to delay surgeries and ration supplies for intensive care patients. Last month, severe flooding in western North Carolina severely damaged a key plant operated by Baxter, which produces about 60% of the U.S. supply of IV fluids. This disruption has had a profound effect on health services, affecting everything from hospital surgeries to home dialysis and nutrition for patients dependent on intravenous feeding, including premature newborns…
