Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Death From Alaskapox Likely Caused By Stray Cat Scratch
The orthopoxvirus-type illness has claimed its first human victim, an elderly man on the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska. He had a suppressed immune system. Meanwhile, the WHO says there’s a low risk of human spreading after a Chinese case of combined H3N2 and H10N5 strains of bird flu.
Judge Tosses Lawsuits Against Harvard After Body Parts Theft From Morgue
The Boston Globe reports that the “ruling says the school is protected by an immunity clause and not responsible for employee’s conduct.” In pharmaceutical news: Gilead Sciences will acquire CymaBay Therapeutics; the Adderall shortage continues; and more.
Study: Pregnancy Complications Lead To Heart Risks For Kids, Later
Complications like diabetes or high blood pressure during pregnancy are linked to giving birth to children who develop heart health complications at a young age, scientists found. Separately, a study linked even mild cases of flu with a doubling of heart attack and stroke risk in older patients.
Shooter Brought 2 Rifles And Her Son To Houston Church
News outlets examine the troubled background and actions of the woman who opened fire inside one of the country’s largest megachurches on Sunday. Also in the news, jail deaths spiked in Minnesota; a North Carolina gubernatorial candidate threatens transgender women over bathroom use; and more.
Viewpoints: Steps Needed To Revamp The CDC; There Are Differences Between Forgetting And Memory Loss
Editorial writers discuss the CDC, cognitive decline, legal marijuana, and more.
Judge Dismisses PhRMA Lawsuit Challenging Medicare Drug Price Negotiations
In an early legal test of the Medicare drug pricing negotiation program, a federal district judge tossed out a suit from the drug industry’s lobbying organization PhRMA, the National Infusion Center Association, and the Global Colon Cancer Association.
Early Pregnancy Tests Drive Abortion Decisions In States With Bans
In many states with abortion bans that kick in during the early weeks of pregnancy, patients may not have the opportunity for follow-up diagnostic testing before having to make a decision about abortion.
CDC Will Lift 5-Day Covid Isolation Recommendations
This is the first loosening of CDC isolation recommendations since 2021 for people who test positive for covid. Meanwhile, two new studies say that millions of people are having to deal with long covid, including children and pregnant people. And a new variant, BA.2.87.1, is spreading.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Oversight Of Health Transactions Is Ramping Up As States Monitor Buyouts
Stat covers increased state scrutiny over industry transactions as more provider groups seek buyers: Oregon is said to be at the forefront of the oversight push. Separately, the FTC is reportedly eager to make “Big Physician” smaller by examining private equity’s role in medical industry consolidations.
Generics Drugmaker Aurobindo Cuts Production Over Safety Problems
A key facility in India has seen some of its production cut after U.S. inspectors found manufacturing problems — highlighting drug-quality issues even during an ongoing medicines shortage. Also in the news: Weight loss drug manufacturers are trying to tackle supply issues.
More Than Half Of Mental Health Visits Remain Virtual Post-Pandemic
Also in mental health news: Harvard researchers recruit social media influencers to combat misinformation; data on the effects of ketamine on depression among veterans; and more.
Heat Waves, Wildfires Make It Riskier For Today’s Kids To Play Outside: Study
So much for “fresh air”: The effects of climate change are even impacting how dangerous it is for children to play outside, a new study finds. Also in the news, “concerning” levels of plastics found in General Mills food products; a complex debate over when brain death is said to occur; and more.
Micro-Hospitals Arrive In Pennsylvania To Fill Coverage Gaps
The Philadelphia Inquirer reports on how Southeastern Pennsylvania is getting its first micro-hospitals — small facilities with ER departments and a tiny inpatient offering — to help fill coverage gaps in some areas. Meanwhile, House and Senate committees OK’d a push to create rural emergency hospitals.
Editorial writers discuss weight-loss drugs, aggression disorders, health care workers, and more.
Moderna’s RSV Shot May Not Protect For As Long As Competitors’ Vaccines
An analysis of the company’s late-stage trial data flags a concern that the efficacy of Moderna’s RSV shot may decline more quickly than those of Pfizer or GSK. In a different study, data from Spain shows that nirsevimab is helping to avoid hospitalizations in infants.
FBI Investigating Alleged $2 Billion In Fraudulent Medicare Charges
The Washington Post reports that fraudulent insurance claims were submitted to Medicare by seven companies, according to health care groups that have analyzed billing data. And sources say they’ve been approached by FBI investigators.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: New Blood Test Detects Concussion In Minutes; CTE Is A Real Threat To Football Players
Editorial writers discuss concussion testing, CTE in football, President Joe Biden’s age, cancer research, and more.
In Missouri, GOP-Led Abortion Rights Initiative Withdrawn To Avoid Confusion
The end of this effort allows a competing, more sweeping constitutional amendment to make November’s ballot, AP notes. Meanwhile, USA Today reports that cities are being targeted with local abortion bans in the aftermath of the end of Roe v. Wade.