Latest KFF Health News Stories
Senator Says Company Tracked, Sold Data On Planned Parenthood Visits For Anti-Abortion Ads
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) wrote to the FTC and SEC, asking the agencies to investigate allegations that a private location data company, Near Intelligence, tracked visits to 600 Planned Parenthood locations across 48 states and sold that data for use in a targeted anti-abortion ad campaign.
No Change Yet: CDC Says 5-Day Covid Isolation Is Still The Guideline
The potential downgrade in isolation time was reported earlier this week, but NBC News says that discussions surrounding any updates to overall covid guidelines are still in a very early stage. Other covid-related news is on pregnant women who develop long covid, long covid’s effect on relationships, and more. RSV, the plague, and measles are also in the news.
Funding For Women-Led Health Startups Surged Over 2000% In 2023
Bloomberg reported that women-led firms received $52 million in funding — 31% of all funding dollars allocated last year — compared with just $2 million, or 1.4%, in 2022. Other news is from Sanford Health, Merakey, Elwyn, Redesign Health, HCA, and more.
Just 2,000 Patients Are Taking Leqembi, The $26,500-A-Year Alzheimer’s Drug
But Biogen says it expected the slow uptake. Before receiving the drug, patients must have a brain scan or a spinal tap to confirm they are candidates for the treatment.
CDC Data Shows Spike In Maternal Syphilis Rates
Data published by the CDC this week shows that U.S. maternal syphilis rates rose 222% from 2016 to 2022. Other public health news stories report on cancer, depression, and more.
San Diego County Faces Cross-Border Contamination From Sewage Flow
The transboundary sewage stream comes from Tijuana, Mexico, and the chemicals and pathogens are transmitting in California via water, air, and soil. News from across the nation also comes from Texas, Colorado, the District of Columbia, and Massachusetts.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Cigar Makers Push Back As White House Mulls Ban On Flavored Tobacco
In related news, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports on plans from Rutgers University to study the proposed menthol cigarette ban and its impact on on Black and Hispanic communities, and the AP reports on which states have banned smoking in cars with kids. Also in public health news: Agent Orange disability benefits and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s hospitalization.
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.