Latest KFF Health News Stories
Can Monkeypox Be Transmitted By Sex? Scientists Find Virus DNA In Samples
In a small number of semen samples studied in Italy, evidence of monkeypox DNA was discovered, raising the question of whether the virus may be a sexually transmitted disease. In the U.S., little testing and contact tracing for the disease stifles public health efforts to track outbreaks.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: The Future of Covid Vaccines Is Bright; Is Anyone Worried About Covid Anymore?
Opinion writers examine these covid and abortion issues.
Viewpoints: Low Rate Of Flu Shots Is Concerning; US Kids Need Help With Mental Health Care
Editorial writers delve into these public health topics.
Bariatric Surgery Linked To Lower Cancer Death Rate, Study Finds
Patients who had the surgery were 48% less likely to die of cancer than their counterparts who did not have surgery, The Washington Post reported. Also in public health news: “Forever chemicals” and their ties to high blood pressure; 3D-printed organs; Ramsay Hunt syndrome; and more.
New York Organization Apologizes For Its Role In Tuskegee Syphilis Study
The Milbank Memorial Fund covered funeral expenses — $100 at most — for black men who died in the U.S. government research project. To get the money, AP reports, widows had to consent to letting doctors perform autopsies on the men. “It was wrong. We are ashamed of our role. We are deeply sorry,” Christopher F. Koller, president of the fund, publicly acknowledged Saturday.
‘Poison In Every Puff’: Canada Will Require Warnings On Every Cigarette
Canada would become the first nation to stamp a warning on each stick, decades after it became the first to include graphic, picture-based warnings on packages.
Time To Rename ‘Stigmatizing’ Monkeypox Viruses, Scientists Say
A group of scientists proposes abandoning the geographic reference in favor of numbers, as less discriminatory. Other news related to the monkeypox outbreak reports on more cases, educational efforts, diagnosis difficulties, and more.
A Court Decision Upending Roe Could Complicate IVF Treatments
Abortion opponents are pushing to have some states recognize that embryos are persons and that could change how these embryos are used and disposed. Also, doctors talk about their concerns over ambiguous language in some states’ laws restricting abortion and how that could make treating women suffering a miscarriage difficult. If the Supreme Court overturns its 1973 landmark Roe v. Wade decision, many questions about how states go forward will fall to state supreme courts.
FDA: Pfizer’s 3-Dose Covid Vaccine Is Safe And Effective For Youngest Kids
The Food and Drug Administration’s review of Pfizer and BioNTech’s covid shot regimen — as well as that of Moderna, which also yielded positive results — will be put to its panel of vaccine experts on Wednesday.
Inspections Missed In 2020 At Majority Of Infant Formula Plants
The Associated Press reports that Food and Drug Administration officials did not perform annual safety inspections at 20 of 23 plants that make infant formula in 2020, due to the covid pandemic. Meanwhile, more supplies arrive in the U.S. from abroad.
Travelers No Longer Need To Test Negative For Covid To Fly Into US
As of Sunday, the Biden administration has lifted its requirements that international flyers test negative for covid a day before arriving in the U.S. Other pandemic news reports on masking, employer safety measures, air quality in schools, and more.
Senate Gun Deal Centers On Mental Health, School Safety
Senate negotiations have yielded a framework for limited gun legislation supported by enough Republicans to overcome a filibuster. President Joe Biden said the deal “does not do everything that I think is needed, but it reflects important steps in the right direction, and would be the most significant gun safety legislation to pass Congress in decades.”
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Facility Fees Often A Surprise; US Needs Remembrance Day To Heal From Covid Losses
Editorial writers examine these public health topics.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on abortion, covid, hospice, “emotional perfectionism,” parental burnout, and more.
Extreme Heat Warnings, Advisories In Place For Southwest, California
Over the weekend, millions of Americans will feel triple-digit heat in the Desert Southwest and California, then the weather will also hit central regions. Fortune, meanwhile, covers a survey showing that workplace mental health benefits can reduce workers’ sick days.
Tick-Borne Powassan Virus Kills One Person In Connecticut
The fatality is also the second case of the virus this year in the state. Also in the news: Maine’s plans for paid family and medical leave; Florida’s Gov. DeSantis, a Republican, may push to investigate parents who take kids to see drag shows; efforts to close Colorado’s infant mortality gap; and more.
With Some Ambulances Getting 4 MPG, EMS Fuel Costs Are ‘Through The Roof’
In Fort Worth, Texas, MedStar Mobile Healthcare says its fuel costs increased from $96,548 last May to an eye-popping $223,583 this May. None of the first responders interviewed said they were changing how they respond to emergencies, but they are making small changes to try to save fuel, such as an effort in Pennsylvania to turn off the engines in ambulances when they arrive at the scene.
Trial Of RSV Vaccine Shows Safe, Positive Results
The respiratory syncytial virus vaccine has been developed by GSK Plc, and Bloomberg notes the positive results are a boon for the drugmaker, which fell behind in making covid shots. Also: the FDA’s endorsement of Bluebird Bio’s gene therapy, a new heart attack risk detection method, and more.