Latest KFF Health News Stories
Next-Gen Gene Editing Tool ‘PASTE’ Could Replace Broken Genes
A new gene editing technology reported on by the Boston Globe could, it’s said, allow fixing of broken genes or “drag-and-drop” editing of large sequences to tackle diseases like cystic fibrosis or cancer. Meanwhile, a study shows eating more flavonols may reduce the risk of memory loss.
Wing Of Abandoned South Carolina Hospital Fortified For Inmates
AP covers the $3.3 million transformation of a wing of the former Chester County Hospital into a secure unit for inmates. Meanwhile in California, the Los Angeles County General Hospital, which saw its last patient 14 years ago, may become a homeless housing hub.
Blood Bag Shortage Hinders Donations
Becker’s Hospital Review notes collection of universal type O-negative blood has been particularly impacted by recent problems with supply of collection bags — including “double dose” versions. Also in the news: Mark Cuban’s efforts to solve drug shortages, amoxicillin alternatives, and more.
‘Legal Pingpong’ Wreaks Havoc In Ga. After Abortion Ban Takes Effect Again
Abortions in the state immediately ceased after last week’s Georgia Supreme Court ruling that reinstated the state’s approximate six-week ban. Other abortion news is from Oklahoma, Illinois, and more.
Nearly 40 Million Children Didn’t Get All Of Their Measles Shots Last Year
The World Health Organization and CDC called the disease an “imminent threat in every region of the world.” They said 25 million kids skipped the first dose, while an extra 14.7 million children skipped the second dose.
When Will RSV Outbreak Peak? Holidays Are ‘Critical’ Point
As hospitals and doctors’ offices battle the flood of RSV and flu cases, Dr. Anthony Fauci says he hopes this is the worst of the outbreaks and that the situation will get better soon.
Trend In Covid Deaths Shifts To Vaccinated As Numbers Grow, Immunity Wanes
A KFF data analysis done for The Washington Post finds that 58% of the people who died from covid in August had been vaccinated or boosted. That number was only 23% the prior year, but the trend shifted as more Americans got the shot and immunity wanes.
A Year Of Omicron: Variant Ignited Pandemic Phase We’re Still Fighting
It’s been a year since the World Health Organization identified the new “variant of concern,” which ultimately fueled another global covid surge around the globe and spawned the subvariants dominating infections now.
Get A Booster To ‘Move On’: Biden Officials Press Covid Message
“I think the idea that forget it, this is over — it isn’t,” Dr. Anthony Fauci said during an TV interview over the weekend as he prepares to leave his federal post. Dr. Ashish Jha reinforced the White House new campaign to urge Americans to get the latest covid booster.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Is The Bivalent Booster Worth It?; It’s Time To End ‘Best Medical School’ Rankings
Editorial writers examine these public health issues.
Perspectives: Congress Must Address AMR Immediately; Covid Had A Negative Effect On Superbugs
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads For Your Holiday Weekend
Because sometimes you need a break from your relatives.
Federal Project Tackles Health Impacts Of Extreme Heat In Nevada, Elsewhere
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration efforts aims to come up with ways to mitigate heat dangers. Also in the news, the departure of a Florida official overseeing the state’s Medicaid program, a second trial of Sterigenics, Ohio’s measles outbreak, and more.
Elizabeth Holmes May Be Headed To A Minimum-Security Prison Camp
A district judge has proposed that the Theranos founder — who was sentenced last week to more than 11 years in prison after being found guilty of defrauding investors of hundreds of millions of dollars — should serve her time at the Federal Prison Camp in Bryan, Texas. However, the U.S. Bureau of Prisons will make the final decision.
Nursing Home, Several Hospitals Cited For Major Health, Safety Violations
In Iowa, one hospital was cited after an intruder made his way into a neonatal ICU, where he changed a baby’s diaper and even fed it before he was confronted by staff and fled. And a nursing home in Wisconsin is under fire after a nurse amputated a patient’s foot without following procedure.
Lawmakers Push Google To Block Deceptive Abortion-Related Ads
Sen. Mark Warner and Rep. Elissa Slotkin, both Democrats, wrote a letter to the CEO of Alphabet/Google urging him to ensure users get accurate information when searching for abortion services. Separately, 10 state attorneys general are pushing Apple to better protect its users’ reproductive health data and location information.
Experts Worry Thanksgiving Could Spur A Surge Of Flu, RSV, Covid
Call it a “tripledemic” or a trifecta of illnesses — experts are concerned that a surge of these illnesses all at once could hit after people meet for thanksgiving. The Washington Post warns that existing surges in child respiratory illnesses are already stressing hospitals.
15 States Fight White House Plan To Lift Border Health Expulsion Order
The Republican-led states asked a federal judge to delay another court’s order that would allow the Biden administration to move ahead with plans to end Title 42, a Trump-era rule that restricts asylum-seekers based on public health concerns.
New FDA-Approved Hemophilia Gene Therapy Is World’s Priciest Medicine
Drugmaker CSL Bering says the $3.5 million price tag for its Hemgenix treatment is justified because it would ultimately reduce long-term health care costs associated with treating patients living with hemophilia B.
