Latest KFF Health News Stories
Research Uncovers Clues To Sexual Transmission Of Monkeypox
Researchers have, for the first time, detected the monkeypox virus in testes of non-human primates during acute infection, CIDRAP reports. This has implications for how the disease may be sexually transmitted between humans. Other news includes Epstein-Barr vaccine efforts.
Infant Deaths After Fertility Treatment More Likely For Black Mothers: Study
New research finds racial disparities in the risk of newborn infants dying after their conception process was aided by fertility technology. Meanwhile, another study shows people of color are at much higher risk of hospitalization because of flu.
40% Of Young Adults Now Use Marijuana. Women Drive The Up-Trend
Federal data shows how common marijuana use is becoming. For example, although recreational marijuana became legal only recently in Vermont, young users outnumber abstainers. Vape shop marketing and naloxone in Los Angeles County libraries are also in the news.
Deal Struck To End 10-Week Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Worker Strike
Kaiser Permanente and the National Union of Healthcare Workers have agreed on terms for a four-year contract to close the work stoppage primarily carried out in northern California. The union will hold two days of votes on the proposal.
White House Reveals Funds To Boost 24/7 Mental Health Care
Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra revealed millions of dollars in grants, which will go toward all-hour mental health care and substance abuse care across the U.S. Separately, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy also spoke on the issue of mental health care for young people in need.
Boston University Clarifies Its Covid Research: Variant Was Less Deadly
The U.K.’s Daily Mail tabloid newspaper stirred controversy by saying Boston University had engineered an artificial covid variant with an “80% kill rate,” the Boston Globe notes. The university has responded aggressively, and noted its experiments actually made the virus less dangerous.
With Eye On Midterms, Biden Presses Need To Codify Abortion Rights
President Joe Biden told voters on Tuesday that securing national abortion access would be his top legislative priority next year — if Democrats secure enough seats in November to pass. If Republicans retake congressional control though, the president warned that they would try to push a federal ban.
Biden Aims To Bolster Biodefenses Ahead Of Next Pandemic
The Biden administration’s new national biodefense strategy unveiled Tuesday adopts lessons learned from the covid pandemic. Among its key measures are plans to expedite future vaccines, smooth interagency disputes, and detect threats earlier.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: Too Many Are Refusing A Flu Shot; Ideas To Boost US Mental Health Care
Editorial writers tackle these public health topics.
Viewpoints: Long Covid Still A Battle; Why Aren’t More People Getting Their Covid Booster?
Opinion writers examine these covid related issues.
Vibrio Surges In Florida After Hurricane Ian
Flooding is to blame for the spike in infections. CBS News says at least 29 cases and four deaths have been confirmed in Lee County this year, with all but two cases diagnosed after the hurricane. Meanwhile, in Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott called for distribution of overdose-reversal drugs.
Covid Hit American Life Expectancy Worse Than Europe’s
Data show that even as some European countries had life expectancy predictions rise to prepandemic levels in 2021, the U.S. reported the third-largest decline among 29 countries surveyed. Also: ocular monkeypox cases, access to monkeypox vaccines, healthy living habits, and more.
Uterine Cancer Risk Linked To Frequent Hair Straightener Use: Study
Researchers in an 11-year study found the odds of developing uterine cancer were more than two and a half times higher among study participants who had used hair straightening products more than four times the previous year. While still rare, uterine cancer is on the rise in the U.S., particularly among Black women.
1 In 6 People With Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Forced To Ration Their Doses
USA Today reports on startling statistics about Americans with diabetes: About 1.3 million people are not taking their full prescribed doses of insulin because it costs too much. Also in the news: the ongoing baby formula shortage, OTC hearing aids, and more.
In Unusual Twist, Medical Costs Rise Slower Than Inflation
Everyday expenses have been driven up by rising inflation, but a report in USA Today says health care costs have risen more slowly, for the first time in 40 years. Also: Medicare fraud accusations against Cigna, health care data breaches, and more.
House Resolution Aims To Reaffirm FDA’s Oversight On Abortion Pill Access
The resolution also emphasizes the authority of the U.S. attorney general to take action against any state that enacts a law that limits a patient’s ability to use such products, The Hill reports.
White House Worries New Variants Could Beat Evusheld Preventive Drug
Stat reports on Biden administration health officials’ concerns that AstraZeneca’s Evusheld, a monoclonal antibody drug that’s become essential for immunocompromised Americans, could be bypassed by emerging variants. Meanwhile, the covid czar urges seniors to get new boosters.
Trump White House Interfered With CDC Covid Reports, House Panel Finds
Routine “bullying” and job threats by Trump administration officials led to changes in pandemic-related public health guidance to suit the White House’s political message on issues like masking and travel bans, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials told the House select subcommittee on the coronavirus crisis.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
