Latest KFF Health News Stories
Study: Water Toxins At Camp Lejeune Linked To Vets’ Parkinson’s Risk
A water contamination crisis at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina decades ago has led to a 70% higher risk for developing Parkinson’s disease among Marines and sailors. Other reports note that the cleanup effort for “forever chemicals” around military bases is very underfunded.
Universal MRNA Flu Vaccine In Clinical Trials
Also, the WHO warns against artificial sweeteners, and Philips says the vast majority of its recalled sleep apnea products are “unlikely to result in an appreciable harm to health in patients.”
Study: Masking Against Covid At Medical Facilities Is Wise
Even after the lifting of the covid pandemic emergency, a study published Monday says that masks in medical offices are still a good idea. Meanwhile, a report in the Los Angeles Times notes that reductions of covid data reporting are making it hard to know how much covid is in your community.
CDC Warns Mpox Not Over And Is Spreading Person-To-Person
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reminded doctors Monday that the mpox outbreak is not over. The agency is expected to soon reveal mpox vaccine effectiveness data. Separately, the case history of a fatal mpox case in Maryland is published.
Judges Set To Hear Appeal Challenging Mifepristone Restrictions
AP reports three conservative court judges who will hear arguments May 17 challenging recent abortion pill limits each have “a history of supporting restrictions on abortion.” Meanwhile, in North Carolina the GOP is planning a swift override of the governor’s veto of a 12-week abortion ban.
Medicaid Work Requirements Still Part Of Debt Discussions
Republicans appear to be holding firm on wanting work requirements for Medicaid recipients as a condition for raising the debt ceiling. Other impacts of the United States defaulting on its loans are discussed.
Appeals Court Pauses An ACA Rollback
The decision temporarily blocks a lower court decision that stopped health plans from covering some preventive health care. In other news, President Joe Biden nominates National Cancer Institute Director Monica Bertagnolli to fill the long-vacant director slot at the National Institutes of Health.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers weigh in on these topics and others.
Health Regulators Bar California Hospital From Treating Sickest Kids
Dozens of wide-ranging, serious issues in the John Muir Medical Center’s pediatric intensive care unit led to the barring of the hospital from treating some of the state’s sickest children. Also in the news: a Texas vote to bar trans care for minors, a rise in accidental ODs in San Francisco, and more.
Study: Remote Work Is Putting Pressure On Parents’ Mental Health
A new study says even though remote work is praised for a better work life balance, it’s taking a toll on some parents’ mental health. About 1 in 4 people say they sometimes go days without leaving their own house. Remote worker day drinking and drug use is also reported.
Cases In Chicago And France Stir Worries Of An Mpox Resurgence
The Washington Post notes that “small clusters” of infections have been found in people who were already vaccinated against mpox. Meanwhile, a dangerous heat wave is expected to continue along the West Coast; how a lab error led to a recall of salad greens over health concerns; and more.
Insurers Demand Prior Authorization For Colonoscopies
UnitedHealthcare requiring prior authorization will make it more difficult for patients to get endoscopic procedures. Cancer diagnostics and surveillance make up roughly half of the colonoscopies that gastroenterologists perform. In other health industry news, workers at five HCA Healthcare facilities in California have authorized a strike, and more hospitals are adding private police forces.
End of Pandemic Emergency Affects Care For Homeless Veterans
Pandemic-related powers that allowed the Department of Veterans Affairs to expand support services for homeless veterans have been cut. In other news, scientists find that rare cases of myocarditis in young men were caused not by antibodies produced by the covid vaccine, but by the body’s natural immune response to the vaccine.
Social Security recipients are warned a debt default could interrupt their payments.
FDA Blocks 10 E-Cigarette Companies’ Sales
The FDA blocked them from marketing or distributing 6,500 flavored e-liquid and e-cigarette products. The FDA also approved a once-a-day menopause drug. In a split vote, an advisory panel to the agency recommended the FDA approve the first gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
North Carolina Abortion Law Vetoed; Override Battle Looms
Republicans in the state legislature believe they have the votes to override the governor’s veto, but the vote in the House could be close. Other news on abortion includes Nikki Haley saying a national abortion ban is unrealistic and the Montana Supreme Court ruling advanced-practice nurses can continue to provide abortion care.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers delve into 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 moms, hearing aids, sign language, animal testing, MSG, and more.
