Latest KFF Health News Stories
Clock Ticks On Plans To Pass Bill To Protect Pregnant Workers
With the Democrats’ majority in both legislative chambers expiring at end of term, Senate Democrats are being urged to move on the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. But the measure’s future is tied up with other spending negotiations.
Phasing In Mpox, WHO Renames Monkeypox To Lessen Stigma
“Both names will be used simultaneously for one year while ‘monkeypox’ is phased out,” the World Health Organization announced.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: ‘Tripledemic’ Is Cause To Mask Up Again; Why Are Viruses So Bad This Year?
Editorial writers discuss the confluence of covid, RSV and flu, reproductive health, and health care administration.
Despite Protests, China’s Strict Covid Policy Unlikely To End
Media outlets report on widespread protests against China’s strict Covid Zero pandemic policy, noting that they may be unlikely to change the government’s stance. Axios reports that in addition to the local human impact of rising covid, effects will continue to hit prices and supply chains globally.
Millions In Texas’ Largest City Under Boil Water Notice
Houston is not just Texas’ most populous city, it’s amongst the largest in the country — making the boil water notice particularly impactful. It was caused over the weekend due to a power outage at a water purification plant. Also in the news: drug addition research, transgender medical care, and more.
Long Overlooked, ‘Brain Fog’ Now Being Recognized As Real
Awareness of the condition has been heightened by long covid, but can be caused by multiple illnesses. Meanwhile, a recall of around 10,000 Green Sprouts sippy cups was triggered by a risk of lead poisoning.
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.
