Latest KFF Health News Stories
Pandemic Uptick Of Alcohol Health Issues Hit Middle-Aged Women Worst
New research shows that problems caused by increased alcohol consumption during the pandemic have impacted middle-aged women the hardest. Also in the news: lung cancer risks for some breast cancer patients, a device to treat tinnitus, lack of sleep, and more.
WHO Labels Hepatitis As World’s Second Most Deadly Infectious Disease
A WHO report states that over 6,000 people a day are infected with hepatitis around the world, and that progress to combat it has “stalled.” Separately, Nigeria is the first country in the world to roll out the new Men5CV vaccine for meningitis.
Viewpoints: We Are Unprepared For The Coming Measles Outbreak; Why So Many ADHD Women Go Undiagnosed
Editorial writers tackle measles, ADHD, mental health, and more.
Harris Blames Trump And His Supreme Court Picks For Abortion Bans
In surprise remarks in Los Angeles, Vice President Kamala Harris connected the Arizona Supreme Court’s controversial decision — “immoral,” according to Harris — upholding an 1864 abortion law to former President Donald Trump, via his three Supreme Court nominees. And in Arizona, a clinic plans remains open during the confusion.
CDC Says Covid Vaccine Not Connected To Cardiac Deaths Of Young Adults
The federal health agency investigated the records of 1,292 people in Oregon ages 16-30 who had died of “cardiac or undetermined” causes. In other research, a new study says there’s no evidence that covid causes childhood asthma.
Tourists Infected With Measles Visited Universal Studios, Las Vegas Strip
Public health officials are warning others may have been exposed to measles after two separate events in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. More measles cases have also been reported in Georgia and Illinois. Also in the news: a rise in human leptospirosis cases in New York City.
Texas Hospital Promises Quick Restart To Paused Kidney Transplants
Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center has been investigating a doctor accused of manipulating records for liver transplant candidates, and consequently paused its transplant program. Also in the news: telehealth plans from the Defense Health Agency, a crossroads for Veterans Affairs health care, and more.
European Drug Regulators Find No Suicide Links To Wegovy, Ozempic
The European Medicines Agency regulatory committee is the latest body to find no increased risk of suicide involved in taking the popular diabetes and weight-loss drugs. Meanwhile, AP reports on the slow start for the first drug shown to slow Alzheimer’s.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Alaska Is One Step Closer To Legalizing Subscription-Based Health Care
State lawmakers have approved a bill that would allow primary care providers to offer care based on a monthly fee, the Anchorage Daily News reported. It’s unclear whether Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy will sign the bill.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on Donald Trump’s new physician, a cadaver lab, the world’s oldest person, and more.
Editorial writers tackle pandemic preparedness, patient education, youth gender medicine, and more.
Harris To Visit Arizona Today; Ex-Gov. Ducey Says Court Overstepped
Excerpts of her speech showed that Vice President Kamala Harris will warn voters that giving Donald Trump another term would only mean “more suffering.” And former GOP Gov. Doug Ducey, who expanded the court in 2016, said on X that the ruling was “not the outcome I would have preferred.”
Iowa’s High Court Weighs Abortion Ban After Contentious Back-And-Forth
The seven justices, all appointed to the bench by Republicans, will decide whether to let a law that bans abortions as early as six weeks of pregnancy take effect. Other abortion news is from Tennessee, Missouri, Florida, and Maine.
How Medicaid’s ‘Unwinding’ Affected Millions Of Americans
More than 20 million people were pushed off Medicaid during a nationwide review of eligibility. Also: A key U.S. senator says Medicare payments to physicians have “not kept up with the times.”
US Might Lose Elimination Status As Measles Cases Climb
Where are the cases coming from? A CDC report Thursday said most involved unvaxxed Americans who got infected in the Middle East and Africa, AP reported. Also: bird flu and data-sharing.
Organ Transplant Surgeon In Texas Accused Of Manipulating Database
The New York Times reported that officials are investigating claims that the surgeon, who oversaw the liver and kidney transplant programs at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center in Houston, altered a government database to make some of his own patients ineligible to receive new livers.
So Far, So Good For Chlamydia Vaccine: ‘This Is Desperately Needed’
In the phase 1 trial, scientists said the experimental vaccine was safe and induced an immune response. There is currently no vaccine for the sexually transmitted infection, which can cause infertility and eye infections.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers discuss end-stage poverty, pediatric mental health, zombie laws, and more.