Latest KFF Health News Stories
Latest Human Case Of Bird Flu Could Change Trajectory Of Illness
Another dairy farmworker in Michigan has been infected with bird flu, but the unidentified person is the first to suffer from respiratory symptoms. The presence of a cough sparked alarm over the potential for spread to others. “Simply put, someone who’s coughing may be more likely to transmit the virus than someone who has an eye infection like conjunctivitis,” CDC Deputy Director Nirav Shah said at a news conference Thursday.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Third US Case of Bird Flu Confirmed; First With Respiratory Symptoms
Michigan health officials and the CDC confirmed Thursday that a second person in the state has been infected with bird flu. It’s the third human infection associated with the U.S. outbreak in cattle. This dairy farm worker is the first to present with respiratory symptoms — a cough, though no fever — as well as “eye discomfort” present in the other two cases. All three people were exposed to infected cattle and there’s no evidence the virus is spreading from person to person.
Research Roundup: Dengue Virus; Alzheimer’s; Bird Flu Vaccines; Covid
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Fla. Gov. DeSantis Signs Into Law ‘Rural Emergency Hospitals’ Designation
The legislation, which passed unanimously, goes into effect July 1. Other health news from around the country is on sex designation on Montana birth certificates, naloxone in Texas, homelessness in California’s San Mateo County, and more.
Night Owls Take Note: Study Finds Late Bedtimes May Harm Mental Health
Research shows that going to sleep later may have a negative impact on mental health, regardless of whether the person is a night owl or early bird. Separately, another study finds that placebo drugs can improve mental health symptoms.
Viewpoints: Is There Really A Maternal-Mortality Crisis?; EMTALA Threatens Reproductive Health Care
Editorial writers examine issues in reproductive health care, mpox, syphilis, and more.
Ascension’s Health Records Are Back Online In One Area After Cyberattack
The hospital system is still working to restore access in other areas and on its IT systems. Other news is on DocGo, liver transplant policy, Obamacare subsidies, and more.
Weight Loss Drug Shortages Drive Telehealth Company To Offer Tracker
The popularity of diabetes drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro has led to shortages. Patients with prescriptions can now use Ro’s new online tool to find supplies. Other news on the medications reports on the cost to the U.S. health care system and on users’ firsthand experiences.
‘Botnet’ That Stole Nearly $6 Billion In US Covid Relief Funds Is Shut Down
The Department of Justice has charged a Chinese national with operating the “world’s largest botnet” that stole $5.9 billion in covid relief funds and is responsible for other crimes. With the FBI, the agency has also shut down the malware network.
FDA: Nicotine Alternatives In Vapes May Be More Addictive Than Nicotine
Reuters points out that the synthetic, nicotine-like substances are not subject to U.S. tobacco and vaping regulations. In related news, a New York judge’s ruling offers a break to Pfizer in its legal battle over the smoking-cessation drug Chantix.
Girls’ First Periods Are Coming Earlier And Are Less Regular, Study Shows
Early menstruation – with early exposure to estrogen – is related to an increased risk of myriad health issues, including death. Moreover, the premature periods are more pronounced among Black and low-income girls.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Complex US Health System To Blame For High Cost Of Ozempic, Novo Says
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
J&J, Merck Break Out The Big Bucks In Separate Billon-Dollar Deals
Johnson & Johnson is paying $1.25 billion to acquire the rights to an experimental skin disorder treatment, while Merck is reportedly nearing a $1.3 billion deal to buy Eyebiotech.
Viewpoints: EPA’s Plan To Regulate PFAs Is Just A Start; Melinda Gates Invests In Women’s Health
Editorial writers discuss forever chemicals, female health care, RNA, and uterine fibroids.
Higher Temperatures Are A Factor In Early And Preterm Births, Study Finds
Moreover, mothers who were younger, less educated, or belonged to a minority racial and ethnic group had an even greater chance of an adverse outcome. In other news, women infected with covid seem to have greater protection from long covid if they are pregnant.
Ancient Egyptians Pioneered Cancer Treatments, Scrutiny Of Skulls Shows
In other cancer research, a Merus-Keytruda combination treatment is showing promise for patients with head and neck cancer, and a new transplant technique for people with lung cancer has a 100% success rate.
San Francisco Rings Alarm Over Rising Use Of Animal Sedative Medetomidine
As a street drug, it’s most often detected as an adulterant in fentanyl, KQED reports. At least one San Francisco official wants to make sure the wastewater supply is being tested for the drug. Other state news is on radiation contamination and Medicaid negotiations.
More Clinics Providing Cosmetic Procedures With Little Safety Oversight
Experts warn that it is becoming more difficult for consumers to tell the difference between legitimate medical spas and “unscrupulous” practices, raising safety risks for people getting Botox injections, dermal fillers, or other cosmetic treatments.
