Latest KFF Health News Stories
West Nile Virus Detected In LA County Mosquitoes
It’s the first time this year the virus has been found in Los Angeles County. Meanwhile, officials in Berkeley and Albany are set to test two popular parks for evidence of radioactive waste.
Taking Burden Off Hospitals, HHS Tells UnitedHealth To Notify Hack Victims
The American Hospital Association welcomed the decision, saying it would have imposed unnecessary costs on providers who “have already suffered so greatly from this attack,” Modern Healthcare reported. Other news is on Steward Health, Uber Health, psychiatric facilities, and more.
Chemo Drugs Attached To Antibodies Battle Cancer Cells More Directly
NBC News reports on how antibody drug conjugates, as they’re known, can more effectively tackle tumor cells. Also in the news: Pfizer’s lung cancer drug Lorbrena, Bristol Myers Squibb immunotherapies, LGBTQ+ populations may face higher cancer risks, and more.
Covid Can Cause Long-Term Damage Inside Eye If Not Treated
Research has found that covid is not contracted through the mucosal membrane of the eye, but the virus can cause damage like retinal lesions, microaneurysms in the eye, and retinal atrophy.
Texas High Court Refuses To Protect Doctors In Medically Needed Abortions
A group of patients and doctors had brought a lawsuit to ensure doctors were not prosecuted for performing abortions in medically complicated pregnancies, but the state Supreme Court rejected it. Meanwhile, the U.S. Senate is set to vote Wednesday on protecting contraception access.
Medicare Advantage Patients Complain To CMS About Lean Provider Networks
CMS sought comments on ways that it can improve Medicare Advantage. The majority of feedback came from providers, but beneficiaries also weighed in with horror stories about deficient networks.
Possible Health Risks Of MDMA PTSD Therapy Highlighted By FDA
The FDA cited flaws in a company’s study into the use of MDMA as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. Separately, reports say some drugmakers will cap asthma inhaler costs at $35 a month; and weight loss drugs may boost people’s taste buds.
FDA Approves Moderna’s RSV Vaccine For Older Adults
CIDRAP reports on the approval of Moderna’s mRNA vaccine, called mRESVIA, which is expected to be available during the 2024-25 respiratory virus season. Other news is on a rise in whooping cough cases and the latest developments on the bird flu virus.
Fiery Exchanges Expected As Fauci Goes Head-To-Head With GOP Panel
Lawmakers intend to grill the immunologist over record-keeping practices at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and other covid-related issues.
Science Didn’t Support ‘6-Feet-Apart’ Pandemic Guideline, Fauci Concedes
Dr. Anthony Fauci, who headed the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases during the height of the pandemic, told Congress that the CDC’s social distancing rule was “an empiric decision that wasn’t based on data.”
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers discuss these issues and more.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on “forever chemicals,” Morgan Spurlock, kush, and more.
Chicago Says Measles Outbreak Is Done After 64 Confirmed Cases
The Chicago Tribune reports that there have been no new cases in the past two incubation periods. But in California, Tulare County reported its first measles case of the year.
Tattoo-Lymphoma Link Discovered, But Cancer Experts Cast Doubt On Findings
Researchers “found no evidence to suggest that the risk increased” because of tattoos. Elsewhere, patients in England will be participating in a study to determine whether a cancer vaccine is as promising as they hope at killing cancer cells and preventing a resurgence of the disease.
Senator Asks FTC, SEC To Investigate UnitedHealth Over Cyberattack
In a letter sent Thursday, Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon argued that the hack could have been averted if the company had adhered to industry best practices, Becker’s reported.
Remote Abortion Care Likely Accounts For National Uptick In Numbers
An analysis by the Society of Family Planning finds that the estimated abortions in 2023 increased slightly over the year before. Telehealth abortion consultations and shield laws are likely behind that trend. States with abortion bans saw their numbers drop significantly, some to nearly zero.
Most Of Doctors’ X Posts Endorsing Drugs Or Devices Came With Payment
An analysis finds strong financial ties between drug and device manufacturers and the doctors who endorse their products on X, formerly known as Twitter. Other pharmaceutical news is on the drug discount program, weight loss drugs, and more.
After Infant Formula Shortage, FDA Plans To Shake Up Its Food Division
Meanwhile, Dairy Manufacturers Inc. has recalled some versions of the infant formulas Crecelac and Farmalac, sold in Texas, because they didn’t meet FDA standards.
Some Covid Symptoms Can Persist Years After Infection, Study Finds
Four years in, researchers are learning that for some patients, particularly those who suffered severe bouts, the virus caused lasting effects for more than three years. And although boosters offered good protection against severe illness, research shows the need for a jab targeted at the JN.1 subvariant.
