Latest KFF Health News Stories
Experts: Monkeypox Is The Next Public Health Failure, After Covid
AP and The Hill cover worries the ever-expanding monkeypox outbreak could spread out of control, with federal-level infrastructure failings demonstrated during covid replicating themselves. Also: concerns that kids could spread monkeypox, changes in the monkeypox vaccine strategy, and more.
Many California Covid Cases Are Reinfections; BA.2.75 Is Spreading
State data show that 1 in 7 Californian cases in July were reinfections. Separately, 12 states are reporting cases of the newest omicron subvariant. To tackle omicron in the fall, the White House has now ordered 66 million doses of Moderna’s variant-specific booster.
Amid Infighting, Indiana Senate Clears Abortion Ban With Rape Exception
But a patient seeking an abortion for rape or incest, which was also exempted, would have to sign a notarized affidavit attesting to the attack. The bill now heads to the Republican-controlled House.
Spending Bill Would Crack Open Long-Shut Door On Medicare Drug Talks
Democrats have aimed for decades to allow Medicare to directly negotiate prices with pharmaceutical companies. But the legislation that would allow that for a small number of drugs is still not a done deal: Republicans spotlight Sen. Krysten Sinema, a Democrat from Arizona, in hopes she won’t support the package.
Biden Tested Positive For Second Day With Rebound Covid Case
President Joe Biden is feeling well, his doctor reports, while in isolation as he continues to test positive for covid. The viral rebound spotlights a rare occurrence that happens for some patients who take Paxlovid.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers weigh in on 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 the Ohio abortion-rape case, obesity, the history of the Tuskegee syphilis story, and more.
In Florida, A Warning To Disregard Biden’s LGBTQ+ Student Protections
Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. told schools that following President Joe Biden’s guidance on LGBTQ+ student protections could place them in violation of state laws. Under these laws, one school district has already enacted mandatory parental notification of kids’ transgender moves.
Spotlight Falls On HIV Prevention Drugs, With Some Criticism Of Makers
Stat reports on criticisms that ViiV’s generic HIV-preventing drug will not be available for up to four years. Cheap local copies of GSK’s anti-HIV drug could be available sooner. ADHD drugs and Rite Aid, a data breach at OneTouchPoint, soaring profits at Pfizer, and more are also in industry news.
Nearly Every Protein’s Shape Predicted By AI System
The New York Times reports on a startling development from artificial intelligence lab DeepMind which could impact the future of drug research and development. A potential new candidemia treatment, discoveries on how covid’s spike proteins harm heart cells, and more are also reported.
Unusual Parechovirus Cluster In Infants; Progress On Child Hepatitis
23 babies in Tennessee were found with the potentially serious virus in a short period of the spring, with experts noting the numbers are “not normal” and concerning. Separately, some researchers wonder if the child hepatitis outbreak is an outbreak at all. Other public health news is also reported.
Veterans Denounce Republicans Who Blocked Senate Burn Pits Bill
After legislation that would expand health care for U.S. military veterans exposed to toxins during their service failed to pass a procedural vote when 25 Republicans reversed their position from a June vote. Veterans’ groups, and one of their high-profile advocates Jon Stewart, blasted the development.
Hopes For Seniors’ Health Cost Reduction Seen In Spending Deal
AP reports on cautious optimism raised by moves by Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin to help the budget bill pass. Meanwhile, the Washington Post notes drug companies’ profits are under unusual threat due to the deal. Democrats also plan to try to add insulin price protections in.
Booster Program Won’t Be Expanded Until Fall When Retooled Shots Available
The Biden administration’s plans to allow adults under 50 to get a fourth covid shot have been set aside in favor of waiting for the next generation of Moderna and Pfizer’s booster tailored for omicron.
‘What About My Life?’ Young Girl Asks W.Va. Lawmakers Poised To Pass New Abortion Ban
As West Virginia prepares to pass the first new legislation since the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision that bans abortion, a 12 year old’s comments made national news. The bill allows the criminal prosecution of doctors who perform the procedure. Legislative and court developments from Indiana, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Kentucky and other states are also reported.
HHS Warns Insurers Of Penalties If Birth Control Is Not Covered
The Departments of Health and Human Services and Labor have been fielding an increasing number of complaints from patients who have been denied birth control coverage since the Supreme Court’s landmark abortion decision. HHS issued clarification guidance Thursday telling insurers that contraceptive coverage is still required under the Affordable Care Act.
San Francisco, New York Declare Monkeypox An Emergency
Those two areas are among the hardest-hit by the viral outbreak. U.S. health officials, however, stressed that monkeypox can still be stopped in its tracks, and the Department of Health and Human Services said 1.1 million new vaccines will soon be available.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: The Next Covid Vaccine May Be A Nasal Spray; Broader-Protecting Covid Vaccines Needed
Editorial writers discuss covid, vaccines, monkeypox, abortion and more public health topics.
