Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
More Sickened From Onions In Salmonella Outbreak
Fox News: Salmonella Outbreak Linked To Onions Sickens More Than 1,000 People: CDC
An expanding outbreak of salmonella linked to several types of onions has infected more than 1,000 Americans nationwide, federal health officials say. Approximately 1,012 people have contracted the foodborne illness across 47 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) latest update of the multistate outbreak of Salmonella Newport infections. There have been 136 hospitalizations linked to the infections, the CDC said. However, there have been no reports of any deaths. (Genovese, 9/2)
The Washington Post: Loudoun County, Va., Changes 911 Procedures After Delayed Response To Drowning
A Northern Virginia county announced significant changes to its 911 operations this week following the mishandled 36-minute emergency response to a drowning teenager over the summer in a creek near the Potomac River. “When someone calls 911, I want them to get help as fast as possible,” Loudoun County Fire Chief Keith Johnson said Wednesday, discussing the training and procedural changes he is making at his 911 center. “We’re willing to do whatever it takes to make things better.” (Morse, 9/2)
AP: Judge Rejects Drug-Diluting Pharmacist's Release Request
A judge has rejected the early release request of a former Kansas City pharmacist serving prison time for a scheme to dilute thousands of prescriptions for seriously ill patients to boost his profits. The judge on Monday denied 67-year-old Robert Courtney’s plea for compassion release, the Kansas City Star reported. Courtney has argued he’s at risk of contracting COVID-19 in prison. (9/2)
Fox News: Fat-Shaming Occurs Less Among Americans Compared To Brits, Survey Says
Fat-shaming is occurring less among Americans compared to three years ago, according to a recent survey. Americans are less likely to blame or shame obese people for their condition compared to the British, according to a report in the British Journal, while those in the U.S. believe obesity may have an underlying medical reason. (McGorry, 9/2)
AP: Batch Of Mosquitoes Tests Positive For West Nile Virus
New Hampshire health officials have identified the first batch of mosquitoes to test positive for the West Nile virus this season. The batch was found recently in Manchester. “West Nile virus is transmitted to humans from the bite of an infected mosquito,” said Ben Chan, state epidemiologist. He said the best way to prevent it and other mosquito-transmitted infections is to use insect repellent, avoid being outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, and remove any standing water from around the home. (9/2)
The Wall Street Journal: How To Stop Eye Strain When You Relentlessly Stare At Screens
Life has gone almost entirely virtual. Since lockdown started, people who used to see their overly chatty co-workers IRL spend an average of 9.5 hours a day looking at laptops and smartphones, reports a survey conducted by OnePoll. It takes just two consecutive hours of staring at pixelated Zoom faces or scrolling Excel data to put you at risk for eyestrain and dryness, blurred vision and headaches, according to the American Optometric Association. That’s because, like Pilates or making elaborate lattes, vision takes effort. Tiny eye muscles “are no different from muscles in arms or legs,” said Scott P. Drexler, O.D., an assistant professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. “When you overuse them, they get fatigued and hurt.” (Mateo, 9/2)
