Latest KFF Health News Stories
Study: AstraZeneca Drug Improves Survival In Breast Cancer Patients
Late-stage trials find that Enhertu benefits patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. Separately, Fierce Pharma reported Friday that the drug also won accelerated approval in patients with HER2-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have received a prior systemic therapy, making it the first drug specifically approved for that condition, according to the FDA.
New York Polio Case Prompts People To Check Their Vax Status
Polio potentially spreading in New York poses a tricky question for people who don’t know their vaccine status. CBS notes “most adults” likely don’t need a shot since they were likely vaccinated when children. But other media outlets report concern is mounting across the country.
How To Keep Your Pets Safe After Family Dog Found To Have Monkeypox
A recent report from The Lancet said that a French couple who had contracted monkeypox let their 4-year-old Italian greyhound sleep in their bed. Experts warn the disease can spread through petting, cuddling, hugging, licking, sharing sleeping areas, and sharing food.
Pediatric Monkeypox Risks Low, Experts Say, Despite A Few Cases
As kids head back to schools and day cares after the summer, worries grow about monkeypox infection risks. But public health experts say the chances of direct contact with someone with skin lesions is currently low in those environments.
WHO Renames Monkeypox Variants, Seeks Replacement Name
To move away from geographic and historical stigmas about the virus infecting many nations, the World Health Organization is asking for naming ideas to replace the term “monkeypox.” In the meantime, it made two immediate changes, renaming two dominant variants to “Clade I” and “Clade II.” Other news reports center around the spotty U.S. vaccine rollout.
Kansas Abortion Recount Unlikely To Surmount 165,000-Vote Difference
An anti-abortion activist is footing the $229,000 bill for a hand recount of Kansas’ constitutional amendment measure that would have banned abortion in the state.
Abortion Bans In Idaho And Louisiana Will Stay In Effect
The Idaho Supreme Court ruled Friday that abortions can be blocked while legal challenges play out. In Louisiana, the state Supreme Court on Friday denied an appeal to block its abortion ban. But in New York City, Mayor Eric Adams signed six bills to protect abortion access.
Historic Drug Pricing Measures Head To Biden’s Desk To Sign
The House passed the Inflation Reduction Act on Friday and President Joe Biden will sign the $700 billion package into law this week. News outlets dive into its Medicare and Affordable Care Act changes, timelines for implementation, and potential midterms impact.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers weigh in on TB, monkeypox, psychedelics and IPF.
Opinion writers discuss sex education and covid issues.
Florida Rules Will Prevent Medicaid Coverage Of Gender-Affirming Care
A new state rule will align Florida with at least 10 other states who similarly block access to care for transgender people. Other reports cover safety rules for “Brazilian butt lifts,” a failed bill targeting social media giants for allegedly harming children, and more.
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 locked-in syndrome, stillbirths, how covid is outsmarting us, “magic mushrooms,” CTE, and more.
Mistrial Declared In Flint Civil Case Over Lead Water Cleanup
The mistrial was declared after jurors couldn’t reach a verdict in a case where multiple residents of the city sued two companies hired to help fix Flint’s lead water problem. Meanwhile, in Detroit, an investigation into a carcinogen spill into a river, and other news.
American Medical Association Tries To Boost HIV, STI Screening
The initiative from the AMA is supposed to help catch infectious diseases earlier to reduce transmission, while also cutting health care spending. Meanwhile, in news on baby food, a report shows homemade versions contain as many toxic metals as store-bought ones.
Lawsuits Push J&J To Switch Baby Powder To Cornstarch Globally
The manufacturer has been facing years of lawsuits alleging it hid cancer risks from the ingredients it used in baby powder. Bloomberg reports that the lawyer who oversaw payments to 9/11 victims has been chosen to estimate how much the claims might cost J&J.
Amazon Adds Behavioral Health To Amazon Care
Amazon Care is the medical care service the retail giant sells to employer health plans, and now it will include behavioral health care from specialists. In other news, the general manager of Amazon Care is reportedly taking an extended break.
In Some States, Monkeypox Is Infecting Many More Black Americans
Stat reports on what it says is “alarming” racial disparity found in monkeypox infections in some states. The Charlotte Observer says 78 of the 111 cases in North Carolina are among Black men. Separately, the Food and Drug Administration defended its modified monkeypox shot plan.
Abortion Upheaval In US Clouds International Family Planning Aid
A group of senators are worried about U.S.-funded family planning programs abroad and the potential negative impact of the shifting landscape of America’s abortion laws. Other abortion news is reported out of the states.
Exposed To Covid? FDA Now Advises 3, Not 2, Home Tests
The latest studies of antigen tests have prompted the Food and Drug Administration to revise its recommendations for those exposed to covid, for fear that infections are not being caught. Other pandemic news reports on reinfections, treatments, masks, and more.
