Latest KFF Health News Stories
Covid Is Easing Up, Except In Midwest; Some Good News For Kids With Colds
California, which has battled a fierce covid surge this summer, is improving but still has high levels, a health expert warns. Plus: Using saline nasal drops can reduce the length of the common cold in children by two days, CIDRAP reports.
Person In Missouri Tests Positive For Bird Flu Despite No Known Exposure
USA Today and Stat report on the questions surrounding this concerning bird flu case. Stat notes the person had “no evident route of infection.” Also in the news: mpox.
Missouri Abortion Ballot Initiative In Jeopardy After Judge Rules It Is Invalid
A circuit court judge ruled Amendment 3 is “insufficient” and a “blatant violation” of requirements because it did not adequately state which laws would be affected. Meanwhile, police in Florida are on the hunt for petition fraud over that state’s abortion rights ballot measure.
White House To Finalize Rules Forcing Insurers To Cover Mental Health Care
Stat says the Biden administration announcement, made today, is merely the “latest salvo” in a protracted battle over insurers’ plans that skimp on treating a number of mental health issues. Also in the news: drug discounts, the cost of insulin, and more.
First Edition: Monday, Sept. 9, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: A New Concept To Fight Cancer; Harris Can Leverage Common Sense On Health Care
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. Today’s selections are on joint replacement, aging, long covid, and more.
New Study Adds To Data Linking Parkinson’s Disease To Gut Issues
The study found people with upper gastrointestinal conditions were much more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease later in life. A separate study found that nearly 1 in 5 cases of dementia may be linked to impaired vision — meaning better eye health could lower diagnosis rates.
HPV Test Kits Based On Self-Sampling Shipping To Doctors’ Offices
Becton, Dickinson and Company’s tests, which were approved in May by the FDA for patients’ use in clinical settings, offer an alternative to traditional pelvic exams.
Whistleblower Reveals Startling Cash Bribery Allegations About Steward CEO
CBS News reports on allegations Steward Health Care CEO Ralph de la Torre bragged he could sway foreign officials over hospital contracts with “bags” of cash. Among other health industry news: a physician is sentenced for her role in the Jan. 6 riot; electric air taxis for rural health care; and more.
Teen Asked For Mental Health Help Before Ga. Shooting, Aunt Says
“The adults around him failed him,” said Annie Brown, whose nephew, Colt Gray, 14, is accused of gunning down four people at Apalachee High School. In a historic legal move, Gray’s father, Colin Gray, was charged Thursday with two counts of second-degree murder and four counts of involuntary manslaughter after authorities said he knowingly allowed his son to have a weapon.
Independent Pharmacies Warn Of Delays In New Covid Vaccine Shipments
NBC News says that even as major pharmacy chains are rolling out the new shots, independent outlets are facing issues getting their shipments, which could mean longer waiting times. Arthritis medications and covid lung damage, mpox vaccines in Congo, and more are also in the news.
Massachusetts Raises Risk Levels For Mosquito-Borne Diseases
More cases of West Nile Virus and a third infection of Eastern equine encephalitis — and more mosquitoes testing positive for the virus — have prompted officials to raise the warning.
Alaska Law Stipulating Only Doctors Can Perform Abortions Is Struck Down
In the ruling, the judge notes nurse practitioners and physician assistants are just as capable at providing time-sensitive care as licensed doctors in the largely rural state. Separately, lawmakers would like the FDA to focus on tampon safety after toxic metals were discovered in several brands.
Fewer Kids Are Puffing On Vapes, But More Have Turned To Nicotine Pouches
As U.S. officials celebrate slight progress in steering children clear of tobacco products, Australian researchers say they’ve found a link between vaping and mental health issues.
First Edition: Friday, Sept. 6, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Research Roundup: Allergies; PFAS; Wetland Virus; Migraines
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Viewpoints: Watch Out For Mosquitoes Carrying EEE; Vaccine Against Fentanyl Offers Hope
Editorial writers discuss these public health issues.
Emergency Responders Burning Out Across The US As Climate Changes
Hundreds of thousands of emergency responders have more challenges such as burnout, PTSD, and budgetary issues, Stateline reports. Among other news: Proposition 36 in California; a Juul payout; bilingual Spanish health care; more.
Fentanyl Vaccine Set For Clinical Trials Starting In Mid-2025
The vaccine, which would prevent the opioid from entering the brain, has seen success in animal studies. Meanwhile, methadone treatments, touted as a key to ending the fentanyl epidemic, remain controversial as clinics push back on politicians’ hopes.
