Latest KFF Health News Stories
Listeria Outbreak Drives Recall Of Certain Fruits Sold Nationwide
The multi-year outbreak, which has resulted in 11 illnesses, including one death, is linked to peaches, plums, and nectarines from California’s HMC Farms. Though the fruit has been pulled from shelves, the FDA is urging consumers to check freezers and discard any affected produce.
More Alzheimer’s Vaccines Enter Clinical Trials
News outlets say that recent breakthrough Alzheimer’s treatments have triggered a renewed vigor among Alzheimer’s research into vaccines: Trials have begun for at least seven vaccines. Separately, a study found belly fat inflammation may be linked to Alzheimer’s disease long before symptoms begin.
Scientists: Getting Flu Shots Can Lower Your Heart Attack Risk
A new meta-analysis showed a 26% drop in heart attacks among people who’d received a flu shot, and an even higher 33% fall in heart illness death risks. Meanwhile, Indian researchers reaffirmed covid vaccine safety by finding no link between shots and sudden unexplained deaths.
Health Care Providers Indirectly Hit By Medicare Advantage Star Rating Slips
The argument runs thus: Declining ratings prompt insurers to seek cost savings that then impact health providers. Separately, worries emerge that new nursing home ownership transparency rules may lead to private equity exits. Also in the news: cybersecurity, ADHD drugs, and more.
New York Hospitals Used To Plug Social Safety Net Holes: Report
The New York Times investigated the state’s social safety net data, and found some worrying trends — including failures to keep mentally ill people from “unraveling on the streets” and more. Meanwhile, in New Jersey a menthol cigarette ban may also cover oral nicotine pouches.
Editorial writers delve into cannabis dispensaries, fentanyl overdoses, health care sharing ministries and more.
Another Round Of Free Covid Tests Offered Ahead Of Virus Season
This time of year has ushered in a surge in covid — as well as flu and RSV — for the past 2 years. With this year expected to bring the same, the federal government is making another round of free covid tests available while other protective measures are urged.
Missouri Supreme Court Deals Blow To Abortion Rights Ballot Opponents
Opponents of ballot initiatives to legalize abortion in the state had been pressing cases over the ballot summaries and costs, but the state’s Supreme Court declined to take up the cases Monday. Meanwhile, a new survey shows that abortion rights support is at near record national levels — but remains highly polarized, politically.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers discuss teen mental health, organ donation, patient-doctor relationships and more.
Fentanyl-Laced Suspicious Letters Trigger Officials To Stock Naloxone
Voting centers and government buildings in six states have received the tainted letters. Separately, news outlets explain how older Americans are embracing cannabis more than ever; other drugs, including psychedelics, are becoming more acceptable; Oregon is facing pushback over its drug decriminalization program; and more.
Analysis Debunks Idea That Women Aren’t Good Clinical Test Subjects
The issue centers on ideas that women’s cycles and body temperatures make them less suitable as drug trials subjects. Separately, other researchers find that kids’ sleep problems may be inherited, that a neck injection could help with smelling issues in long covid sufferers, and more.
Bayer Must Pay $1.56 Billion Over Claims Roundup Caused Cancer
A Missouri jury ordered the drug manufacturer to pay the compensation to four plaintiffs who claimed the weedkiller caused injuries. Meanwhile, Bayer also suffered a loss as it aborted a large late-stage drug trail into a new anti-clotting drug because it wasn’t effective.
As More Kids Fall Ill From Lead, FDA Screens Imported Cinnamon
Until now, news headlines have centered around fruit pouches as a source for lead poisoning that’s sickened children across at least 22 states, but now the FDA seems to be narrowing in on a potential cause: some imported cinnamon. Meanwhile, dozens have fallen ill from salmonella from cantaloupes.
Ozempic Set To Change This Year’s Thanksgiving Food-Fest
News outlets report on how weight-loss drugs are changing some people’s perceptions of food as Thanksgiving approaches. The cost of the blockbuster drugs is also forecasted to drive up employers’ medical costs next year. Also: how to help teens battle diet culture.
Senators Ask Drugmakers To Explain Shortages Of RSV Drug For Infants
A group of Senate Democrats wrote a letter to AstraZeneca and Sanofi, asking about low supplies of nirsevimab, a monoclonal antibody that prevents respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infants.
Another Hospital Surrounded By Fighting In Northern Gaza
The AP reports on how heavy fighting broke out today around the Indonesian Hospital, which has been shelled. Meanwhile, the large Al Shifa hospital, which had been the subject of previous military action, is described as a “death zone” by the WHO — though some vulnerable babies were evacuated.
Rosalynn Carter, First Lady And Advocate For Mental Health, Dies At 96
Rosalynn Carter died Sunday at her home in Plains, Georgia. News outlets report on her role as a political partner to her husband, former President Jimmy Carter, as well as her tireless advocacy for mental health causes, and the tributes that are pouring in for her.
Turkey With A Side Of Flu: Cases On The Rise Ahead Of Holiday Season
Flu activity has increased sharply, already reaching high levels in seven states. Covid cases are also ticking up.
Iowa, Florida Republican Governors Try To Brush Off Ohio Abortion Rights Vote
The Des Moines Register says Republicans are blaming skewed ads for a resounding vote by the public to support abortion rights in Ohio. GOP presidential candidate Chris Christie, meanwhile, is arguing against the RNC chair’s assertion that abortion is more than a state’s issue.