Latest KFF Health News Stories
Residents At Risk In Indianapolis Nursing Home: Report
A report in the Indianapolis Star says after a resident was raped and killed at Homestead Healthcare Center, the rest of the residents are still at risk. Meanwhile, in Nevada, outbreaks of “superbug” Candida auris are now being investigated by the CDC.
University Of Delaware Reinstates Indoor Mask Rule Ahead Of Biden Visit
Cases are rising at UD and other schools as graduation festivities continue in full swing across the U.S. Other news is on the CureVac, Novavax, J&J, and flu vaccines.
Study Says Vaccines Don’t Stop Long Covid Symptoms
The Washington Post says the large study shows vaccines only have a “slight” protective effect against long covid symptoms, preventing just a few. AP remarks the study shows older adults are at higher risk for long covid. A CIDRAP report covers lung abnormalities in former covid patients.
Another 36 Child Hepatitis Cases Reported By CDC
The total number of cases of the mysterious illness in the U.S. is now 216, including two cases in Utah and 9 possible cases in Illinois where all the children concerned are under 10.
Smallpox Drug, New Test Kits Could Help Curb Monkeypox Outbreak
Meanwhile, the CDC issued an alert for travelers as more cases are confirmed across the globe. And a Nigerian health expert said his warnings and requests for help went unheeded during an unusual monkeypox outbreak that started in 2017 and continues today.
Gov. Abbott’s Mental Health Cuts Under Scrutiny After Deadly School Shooting
In the wake of mass fatalities at a Texas school, Gov. Greg Abbott speculated that the gunman had mental health issues and called for more to be done. But last month, Abbott slashed $211 million from the state’s department that oversees mental health programs, NBC News reports. News outlets also report on how such traumatic events impact kids across the nation.
Califf Details Unsanitary Formula Plant Conditions, Says FDA Should’ve Moved Quicker
“Frankly, the inspection results were shocking,” Dr. Robert Califf said of the Abbott Nutrition plant in Michigan while speaking to lawmakers about the infant formula shortage. A representative for Abbott also testified, giving a more optimistic timeline for reopening than the one outlined by the FDA.
Nation’s Most Sweeping Abortion Ban Enacted In Oklahoma
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, a Republican, signed into law Thursday a prohibition on abortions beginning at fertilization. The measure, which went into immediate effect, also carries a private enforcement clause like the Texas law.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Monkeypox Not An Unknown Like Covid; Build Back Better Would Prevent ACA Price Increase
Editorial writers weigh in on these public health topics.
Different Takes: Why Has Global Covid Vaccination Failed?; US Sorely Lacking In Lactation Support
Opinion writers examine covid vaccines, baby formula, and abortion issues.
Pfizer Trying To Address Drug Access In Poorer Nations With Lower Prices
Bloomberg reports on what it says is “one of the most comprehensive and ambitious drug-access programs ever” by a big manufacturer: Pfizer will sell its entire brand-name portfolio at cost in around 45 countries. Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal notes big incomes from covid drugs are plateauing.
Perspectives: FDA Must Implement Stronger Oversight Of Supplements; Ideas To Improve Drug Costs
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
CVS Says It Will No Longer Fill Certain Prescriptions From Cerebral Or Done
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Montana Health Department Blocks All Gender Changes To Birth Certificates
Despite a court order, people in Montana cannot change gender on their birth certificate, even if they have had gender-confirmation surgery. And in Indiana, a lawsuit is filed against a new transgender sports law. Other state news reports on marijuana, mental health, maternal health, and more.
NCAA Finds Post-Pandemic Mental Health Concerns Plague Athletes
A survey of more than 9,800 college athletes found the rates of anxiety, depression, and mental exhaustion were as much as twice as high as before the covid outbreak.
No Surprises Act Blocked 2 Million Bills In 2 Months, Insurers Say
The first two months of the year would have seen an estimated 2 million unexpected medical bills being levied without the No Surprises Act, according to an AHIP and Blue Cross Blue Shield Association industry survey. Meanwhile, Advocate Aurora Health is sued for alleged price inflation.
CDC Warns Covid Patients May Again Be Infectious After Paxlovid Treatment
Federal regulators affirmed what people have been discussing for at least a month: the covid “rebound” that may hit patients who have taken the antiviral treatment. Separately, a study in Israel shows fourth Pfizer shot effectiveness wanes fast for older people.
20% Of Previously-Infected Adults Could Get Long Covid, CDC Says
A new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that long covid may be more prevalent than thought, especially for people over 65. A large survey by 23AndMe, meanwhile, found women were twice as likely as men to report suffering the condition.
Omicron Subvariant BA.2.12.1 Responsible For 58% Of New US Cases
And the pace of infections continues to accelerate, with the nation surpassing 100,000 confirmed daily covid cases for the first time since February. The trends are prompting some facilities and regions to encourage masks again.
