Latest KFF Health News Stories
Loss Of Smell From Covid May Be Tied To ‘Subtle Brain Damage,’ Study Finds
Some covid sufferers during the early pandemic waved off the problem as merely an inconvenience. But the study of 73 adults found behavioral, functional, and structural “brain alterations.” Still, researchers stressed the need for more study. Plus: An update on the spread of mpox.
US Fertility Rate Posts All-Time Low
There were about 68,000 fewer babies born in 2023 compared with the year before, CDC data indicate. Moreover, fewer women are seeking prenatal care, a trend attributed in part to the lack of access to reproductive health care in states that have taken a hardline stance on abortion.
Planned Parenthood Draws Patients From 6 States To New Kansas Clinic
The new center in Pittsburg will offer reproductive health care for Kansans as well as abortion services to women who make the trek there from states where the procedure has been banned. Also, as more women are having to travel for care, abortion funds are running low.
Abortion And — Surprisingly — Covid Are Hottest Topics On First Day Of DNC
In a lengthy speech, President Joe Biden touted his many health care accomplishments during his single term. In perhaps the biggest surprise of the Democratic National Convention, several speakers criticized former President Donald Trump’s inaction during the covid pandemic and mentioned a relative who died from the virus.
First Edition: Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
New Mechanical Heart Uses Clever Magnetic Tech From Rail Industry
The new BiVACOR artificial heart uses a magnetic levitating rotor to pump blood, eliminating wear issues seen with more traditional artificial heart pumps. The nation, meanwhile, is facing a shortage of donated blood—particularly the useful Type O variant.
Editorial writers discuss these current issues.
Supreme Court: 10 States Can Ignore LGBTQ+ Anti-Discrimination Rules
Ten Republican-led states had challenged Title IX expansion, and the Supreme Court declined to lift lower court bans on enforcing the anti-discrimination rules for students. Meanwhile, a new parental-consent law concerning medical treatments is said to worry school nurses in Tennessee.
HCA Profit-Centric Management Drove Mission Hospital Doctors Away: Report
A new report from Wake Forest University found a poor working environment for nurses and dangerous situations for patients were caused by HCA’s management style at Mission Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina. Meanwhile, in Massachusetts, 6 Steward Health hospitals now have new owners.
CDC Warns Pregnant People To Avoid Cuba In Oropouche Virus Outbreak
The disease is spread by small flies and some types of mosquitoes and can cause sudden fever, severe headaches, and chills. Meanwhile, the first human case of mosquito-borne Eastern equine encephalitis since 2020 in Massachusetts was reported.
Updated Covid Shots Might Get FDA Clearance As Soon As This Week
The shots, from Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech, will target the KP.2 strain of the virus. There’s no word on whether the FDA will address Novavax’s shot targeting JN.1. Meanwhile, the CDC says KP.3.1.1 is now the dominant strain in the U.S. (Feeling lost? Both KP.2 and KP.3 are part of the FLiRT variants, which are subvariants of JN.1, which is a subvariant of omicron.)
Humana Strikes $90 Million Settlement In Lawsuit On Medicare Overcharges
The agreement would settle a lawsuit by a whistleblower who alleges that the health insurer overcharged the federal Medicare program while administering prescription drug benefits. Humana did not admit wrongdoing in the agreement.
First At-Home Test For Syphilis Coming To Stores This Fall
The test, which is called First To Know and will cost $29.98, uses a drop of blood and offers results in about 15 minutes. Other news is on pap smears, salpingectomies, and uterus transplants.
Reproductive Health, Medical Costs To Feature At Democrats’ Convention
The Democratic National Convention kicks off in Chicago today. The docket includes three women who will tell their pregnancy stories. Other speakers are expected to spotlight health issues like drug prices and medical debt.
First Edition: Monday, Aug. 19, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Rising Teen Pregnancy Yet Another Consequence of Ending Roe; Why Is TB Still An Issue?
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 AMR, extreme heat, dementia, homelessness, Zyn, and more.
Court Rules Florida AG Can’t Block School, Hospital Opioid Lawsuits
Meanwhile, in Baltimore, a lawsuit against opioid makers and distributors will proceed to trial after a judge denied motions by the companies to dismiss the case. And MIT News reports on an implantable device that could automatically release naloxone in overdose situations.
NY Health Officials Move To Halt Use Of Key Antibiotic Against Meningitis
Ciprofloxacin is recommended for post-exposure prophylaxis against bacterial meningitis, but the New York State Department of Health is asking providers to discontinue using it over fears of rising antibiotic-resistant strains.
Groundwater, Food Tainted With Rocket Fuel Chemical, Study Finds
Perchlorate is more likely to be found in types of food given to youngsters, a Consumer Reports study found. There is no strict definition of what is considered to be a “dangerous level” of perchlorate, which is found in such items as fireworks, matches, and now french fries and chicken nuggets.
