Latest KFF Health News Stories
Viewpoints: Many Suffer From Long Covid But Not Able To Access Benefits
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. This week’s selections include stories on children’s health, menopause, Huntington’s disease, and more.
Florida Boosts Penalties For Assault, Battery Of Hospital Staff
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the measure Wednesday. Among other news, OSHA cited Nationwide Children’s Hospital for failing to protect staff from assaults after an investigation in Columbus, Ohio; Minnesota passes a paid-leave law; and more.
Experts: You Can’t Safely ‘Wean’ People Off Gender Meds As Bans Demand
Stat reports on medical experts’ opposition to some gender-affirming care bans that include forced halts for young trans people already undergoing treatment. And in Texas, a leading trans care doctor is leaving the state ahead of a ban on minors receiving gender-affirming care.
Sticker-Based Measles Vaccine Proves Effective In Trial
The vaccine is one long-used against measles and rubella, NPR explains, but the delivery method is novel and could be useful for low-income countries. Meanwhile, the new National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility was opened in Manhattan, Kansas. The brain implant Neuralink is also in the news.
Gut Bacteria Give Clues To Rise In Colorectal Cancer In Younger People
Axios reports on a new study that may give hints as to why colorectal cancer rates are increasing in people under 45. Meanwhile, a second death is reported related to an outbreak of fungal meningitis in a clinic in Mexico, and worries rise of a summer mpox resurgence.
Indiana Doctor In Ohio 10-Year-Old’s Rape Case Reprimanded Over Privacy
Dr. Caitlin Bernard was punished as Indiana’s medical board decided, by majority, she had somewhat broken privacy laws when speaking publicly about the controversial abortion case. But it resisted a push to find her unfit to practice. Meanwhile, in South Carolina, a six-week abortion ban was signed.
House Recesses With Little Movement In Debt Limit Talks
Players in the debt ceiling negotiations characterize progress differently, but either way, the House adjourned for its scheduled holiday recess despite the narrow window to avoid default.
FDA Grants Full Approval Of Paxlovid To Treat Covid
Pfizer’s covid treatment Paxlovid has been used for the past year under FDA emergency use authorization. The Biden administration also announced Thursday that it will continue to provide the drug for free through its stockpile.
Defining Long Covid: Study Reveals Prevalence And 12 Key Symptoms
A new study is helping to standardize the definition of long covid, with an aim toward better treating patients. It found that 10% of people infected by the omicron variant developed long covid. And of the 200 symptoms associated with the condition, the most distinctive to long covid include fatigue, brain fog, dizziness, GI issues, heart palpitations, and 7 others.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations. Note to readers: KFF Health News’ First Edition will not be published Monday in observance of Memorial Day. Look for it in your inbox again Tuesday.
Research Roundup: ECMO Treatment; Diabetes; ‘Microrobots’; And More
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Health Data Possibly Compromised After Ransomware Hit On Mass. Insurer
Point32Health, which is the second-largest health insurer in Massachusetts, was struck by a ransomware attack that may have compromised sensitive health data of current and past members. Other news includes financial worries at hospitals across the U.S., staffing shortages, and more.
Viewpoints: Female Doctors Face Unequal Treatment; Insurance Should Cover Mental Health Rehab
Editorial writers examine these various public health topics.
WHO Warns Us To Think Of ‘Disease X’ — The Cause Of The Next Pandemic
It’s what the Cambridge University Press called a “hidden but inevitable creeping danger,” a currently unknown but potentially worse illness than covid that may be bubbling under the radar. In other news, air pollution is linked to severe covid outcomes.
House Panel Advances Legislation Aimed At Making PBMs Report More Details About Deals
The Promoting Access to Treatments and Increasing Extremely Needed Transparency act, a.k.a. PATIENT, would force pharmacy benefit managers to report more details about their deals with pharmaceutical companies. Also in the news, Sarepta’s Duchenne muscular dystrophy treatment, weight-loss drugs, ketamine, and more.
200 At Risk After Meningitis Linked To 2 Post-Surgery Deaths In Mexico
The CDC is collaborating with Mexican officials over the outbreak of fungal meningitis in Matamoros, across the border from Brownsville, Texas. More than 200 U.S. patients who traveled to clinics there may be at risk. Also: dangerous chemicals in sunscreen, high asthma rates among Black children, and more.
Striking NYC Doctors To Return To Work With Tentative Deal
A three-day strike by residents at Elmhurst Hospital Center in Queens will end after the physicians’ union announced a deal with its employer, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan, over wage inequity. In other health industry news, the head of AHIP is stepping down.
Births Decline Across US And Nation Gets Older, On Average
New data shows birth rates declined in most states last year, following a long-term trend, though a few states showed upticks. The overall shift means that the American population grew older, faster, on average over the last decade than before.
DEA Failed To Limit Wholesale Opioid Distributor, Worsening Crisis: Report
News reports say failures of the Drug Enforcement Administration allowed one of the country’s largest drug distributors, Morris & Dickson Co., to contribute to the opioid crisis even after a judge recommended it should lose its license. Other news relating to fentanyl is also reported.
