By Thomas M. File, Jr., MD and Joel A. Kammeyer, MD, MPH
A Butler County judge ignored scientific evidence and proven patient care when he ordered West Chester Hospital to treat a seriously ill COVID-19 patient with the livestock deworming drug ivermectin. This drug, which has been proven safe and effective for treating head lice and other parasitic infections in humans, has come under intense scrutiny as it is being promoted among some as the latest COVID-19 miracle treatment. It isn't. Ivermectin is scientifically unproven as a treatment or as a preventative measure for COVID-19.
As members of the Infectious Diseases Society of Ohio, which represents infectious diseases physicians on the front lines of Ohio's pandemic response, we've seen far too much pain in communities across our state during the last year and half. We are working around the clock to prevent additional suffering and loss of life and ensure everyone we treat gets the best care, supporting the best possible outcome. That is why it is absolutely essential to the health of Ohio and the nation that all COVID-19 therapies be adequately studied and that data supporting their use be evaluated in a factual, transparent manner. ...
