Latest KFF Health News Stories
Focus On Avian Flu’s Risk To Humans As It Circulates In Other Animals
Reports in Science and CIDRAP explain how avian flu has been found in animals as varied as Peruvian sea lions, grizzly bears in Montana, and a barn cat in Wyoming. Meanwhile, a report in the Atlantic says human flu may be radically changing, with one of the four main groups surprisingly having disappeared.
Fungal Infection Affects More Than 90 Workers At Paper Mill In Michigan
The blastomycosis outbreak, reported by the Detroit Free Press, is believed to have come from a fungus found in decaying wood. Other news includes efforts to improve health care for Arizona prisoners, a Nebraska church raising $520,000 to erase medical bills, and more.
As Strep Throat Does Its Rounds, Antibiotic Shortages Hit Families
NPR covers the uncomfortable situation caused when strep throat season collides with a nationwide shortage of antibiotics like amoxicillin. Meanwhile, certain Philips CPAP and BiPAP respirators were recalled by the FDA, a ban is considered for cosmetics with forever chemicals, and more.
Physician Shortages Hit Rural America; Many Michigan Nurses Want To Quit
CBS News reports on how ongoing staffing shortages are affecting care in rural America — where few residency programs exist. Crain’s Detroit Business, separately, says a survey shows 40% of Michigan hospital nurses want to quit. And Stat covers five startups that aim to solve the staffing crisis.
Report: Florida Knowingly Omitted Key Info About Covid Vaccine
The Tampa Bay Times obtained drafts of an analysis used by Florida’s surgeon general as the basis to warn young men against getting the covid vaccine. Unlike the final report, the drafts showed that catching the virus could increase the risk of a cardiac-related death much more than getting an mRNA shot, AP reported.
Iowa Halts Abortion, Contraceptive Payment Help For Rape Victims
According to AP, federal regulations and state law require Iowa to pay many of the expenses for sex assault victims who seek medical help, such as the costs of forensic exams and treatment for STIs. But Republican Attorney General Brenna Bird has paused some of those payments. Also, abortion news from Kansas, California, Idaho, Florida, and Montana.
Biden Blasts Ruling As ‘Ideological’ Attack; Dems Consider Ignoring It
Legal experts say that although the Texas judge’s decision suspends FDA approval of mifepristone, it does not actually force the FDA to enforce the ruling. HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra says “everything is on the table” right now, but some Republicans are threatening to defund the FDA if the ruling isn’t enforced.
Dueling Decisions May Create Patchy Abortion Pill Access And Uncertain Future
Two federal judges issued contradictory rulings Friday over mifepristone, 1 of 2 drugs that has been used for 20 years in the U.S. for a medication abortion. While the Justice Department said it will challenge a Texas court’s ruling ordering the FDA to vacate its approval of the drug, the cases are expected to land in the Supreme Court. News outlets explore what the current situation means for patients.
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, KHN finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on breastfeeding, conspiracy theories, psychedelics, HIV, telehealth, and more.
‘Wild West’ Of Assisted-Living Facility Policies As Seniors On Medicaid Evicted
A story in The Washington Post counted at least 50 Medicaid-related evictions in Wisconsin alone since the fall. Also in the news: profit opportunities in Medicaid determinations; no-cost preventative services; and more.
Texas Launches $10 Million Push To Tackle Fentanyl Crisis
The effort includes a fentanyl awareness campaign and plan to distribute doses of Narcan to every county. Meanwhile, in Alabama, lawmakers approved harsher penalties for trafficking fentanyl. And in San Francisco, the city doubled participants of an opioid misuse treatment program.
Starbucks’ Olive Oil-Infused Drinks Are Upsetting Stomachs
NBC News says some customers have complained of stomach issues on social media. Separately, research shows a smart watch may be able to predict when someone has a higher risk of heart failure.
EPA Targets Toxic Pollution From Medical Device Sterilizers
The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing tougher standards on pollution from several chemicals like ethylene oxide, but some in the industry are warning of potential disruption to supplies of safe medical equipment. Also: lead testing, Makena, weight loss drugs, and more.
VA Delays Rollout Of Electronic Medical Records Amid Concerns
The Department of Veterans Affairs has paused its rollout of electronic medical records to the next scheduled sites in its already-delayed program amid concerns over patient safety and other matters. Also: AI and heart health, HIPAA digital privacy, and more.
Tenn. House Expels 2 Black Lawmakers Who Protested For Tougher Gun Laws
The move prompted immediate accusations of racism because a third House member who also participated in the protest — and who is white — was not expelled. President Joe Biden called the expulsions “undemocratic” and reiterated his pleas for an assault weapons ban.
Study Finds Covid Caused Brain Damage In 2 Infants In Utero
University of Miami researchers found what they believe to be the first two confirmed cases in which covid crossed via the placenta and caused brain damage to unborn infants, Reuters and CIDRAP report. Other research says masking-up alone did little to prevent covid spread in medical settings.
Kansas Lawmakers Send Unproven ‘Abortion Reversal’ Bill To Governor
The procedure involves administering a high dose of the progesterone to “reverse” the use of mifepristone. One attempt to conduct a formal study on the treatment was halted after a test subject went to the hospital for hemorrhaging.
Scale Of Justice Thomas’ Undisclosed Donor-Bankrolled Travel Renews Supreme Court Ethics Debate
ProPublica’s report detailing years of luxury travel quietly accepted by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas from a prominent Republican donor has prompted calls for action by some congressional Democrats. Ethics experts that spoke to news outlets cited concerns about a further erosion of public trust in the high court’s decisions.
