Latest KFF Health News Stories
Dominant Delta, Other Variants Prompt Testing Debate For Breakthrough Cases
Public health experts are weighing any policy changes in light of the uptick in U.S. covid cases in almost half the states.
Millions At Risk In Unvaccinated Clusters Spanning 8 States: Report
A new report identifies undervaccinated pockets in the Midwest and Southwest that leave local residents unprotected from the delta variant and threaten progress nationwide. Meanwhile, a federal surge team arrives in Missouri, which currently ranks 40th among 50 states in vaccination rates. Elsewhere, new cases are also on the rise in Arkansas, Utah, Iowa, Texas and Colorado.
Covid Claims 4 Million People. And The Death Toll Is Mounting
The World Health Organization warns nations against reopening too soon, as the global death tally surpasses a heartbreaking 4 million humans. In the U.S., it’s estimated that an additional 250,000 lives would’ve been lost by now if it weren’t for vaccinations.
Olympics To Happen Under Covid State Of Emergency, Likely Without Fans
Japan declared a new pandemic state of emergency, which will last though the Olympics. The move means it’s likely that no fans will be permitted at events. Separate reports say Japan is battling to remove vaccine bottlenecks that are slowing rollout efforts.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Perspectives: The Pros, Cons Of Walmart’s Insulin
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Viewpoints: Should Biden Mandate Vaccination?; Disability Programs Prepare For Covid Long Haulers
Opinion writers consider these covid and vaccine issues.
Editorial writers tackle nursing burnout, mental health and drug prices.
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
UK’s Unlocking Plan Causes Worries Of Long Covid Surge In Young
The decision by the U.K. government to almost fully unlock on July 19 is stirring fears about its consequences, including a potential surge in long covid among unvaccinated youth. Europe’s vaccine passport, Mexico and South Africa are also in the news.
More Surgeries Postponed As Donated Blood Supply Is ‘Dangerously’ Low
Meanwhile, Stat reports on how the organ transplant system “scrambled” to keep donated organs getting to people who needed them during the pandemic. Another report covers a rare heart-lung transplant in a young man in Wisconsin.
California To Compensate Victims Of Forced Sterilizations
Reparations of up to $25,000 each will go to thousands of people forced or coerced into sterilizations by state officials decades ago. Separately, Milwaukee was awarded a $4 million grant to help reduce racial disparities exposed during the pandemic.
Uninsured People Often Charged The Most By Hospitals, Data Show
The Wall Street Journal reports an investigation into hospital pricing and the uninsured. Reports from Atlanta show that language barriers are linked to low access to health care. Separately, HIV prevention clinics are worried about Gilead reimbursement cuts.
Menthol Cigarettes Linked To Greater Difficulty In Quitting Smoking
A new study finds that people who smoke menthol cigarettes are less likely to have success when it comes to quitting the habit. A separate report notes Americans drank a lot more alcohol during the pandemic.
Dr. Meena Seshamani Named Director Of CMS’ Center For Medicare
Seshamani previously served as vice president of clinical care transformation at MedStar Health. The Center for Medicare oversees health benefits for tens of millions of seniors, people with disabilities and dialysis patients.
Drug Cocktails Reduce Risk Of Dying From Covid, Research Shows
Combining tocilizumab and sarilumab along with corticosteroids reduced the risk of death by 17% compared with corticosteroids alone.
Sugary Drinks May Increase Risk Of Colon Cancer, Study Finds
In the new study, researchers found a 16% increase in risk for each 8-ounce serving of sugary drink added per day. In ages 13 to 18, each serving was linked to a 32% increased risk of eventually developing colorectal cancer before age 50.
Delta Now Responsible For More Than Half Of New US Covid Infections
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the more transmissible delta variant, or B.1.617.2, is now estimated to be the dominant coronavirus strain in the U.S. The rapid growth worries public health experts.
Half Of States Report Covid Spikes Thanks To Fourth Of July, Delta Variant
From Nevada to Oklahoma, reports note that covid cases across the U.S. are rising thanks to the combination of the highly transmissible delta variant, low vaccination rates in some places, and what people were up to over the long July 4th weekend.
Partisan Chasm Over Covid Shots Risks National Turnaround
Two new surveys find that conservatives — especially among white men — lag disproportionately behind in vaccination rates, despite pleas from Republican governors.