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Once thought to have neurofibromatosis, Joseph Merrick (also known as "the elephant man") is now, in retrospect, thought by clinical experts to have had Proteus syndrome. This endocrine disease causes continued and abnormal growth of the bones, muscles, skin, and so on and can become completely debilitating with severe deformities occurring anywhere on the body.
About 100 new prescription or over-the-counter drugs come into the U.S. market every year.
More than 150,000 Americans killed by cardiovascular disease are younger than the age of 65 years.
HIV testing reach is still limited. An estimated 40% of people with HIV (more than 14 million) remain undiagnosed and do not know their infection status.
Most childhood vaccines are 90–99% effective in preventing disease. Side effects are rarely serious.