Latest KFF Health News Stories
Monkeypox Spreading Mostly Through Sex: WHO
The CDC issued an update that alerted gay and bisexual men that monkeypox is primarily spreading through sex. A White House official said the health risk to the general population is low.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: If Roe Falls, Birth Control May Be Next; How Should Abortion Rights Be Protected?
Editorial writers take on these public health issues.
Different Takes: Future With Long Covid Isn’t Promising; Should Americans Start Masking Again?
Opinion writers examine these covid issues.
New Conspiracy Theory: WHO Pandemic Plans Will Steal Government Power
A “visceral, passionate online backlash,” the Washington Post reports, falsely accuses the World Health Organization of a power grab because of a so-called pandemic treaty to prepare for future outbreaks. Meanwhile, in Britain, there are recommendations to change the legal smoking age to 21.
Pfizer Settles With Four States For $290,000 In Misleading Copay Case
The case centers on 5,000 people in Colorado, Kansas, Vermont, and Arizona who spent more than expected when they used coupons supplied by the drugmaker. Also: Oklahoma’s Medicaid program revamp, John Fetterman’s recovery, protection for gender expressions in Cincinnati, and more.
Some Jif Peanut Butter Recalled Due To Salmonella Risk
The voluntary product recall comes amid a multistate salmonella outbreak linked to some Jif products. Meanwhile, an Iowa company has recalled 185,000 pounds of bacon products due to possible metal contamination. Also: Virtual workouts, drug overdoses, and custom children’s caskets.
2 Wyoming Hospitals Cut Birth Services To Pay For Traveling Nurses
Two hospitals in Wyoming are reportedly so affected by the cost of paying for traveling nurse staff to make up for shortages that they have chosen to halt birthing and labor services. Meanwhile, in St. Louis, medical providers are trying a “gig economy” model to find nursing staff.
In Urban Areas, Officials Say They Wouldn’t Enforce Abortion Restrictions
Many conservative states are pledging to ban most abortions if the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, but in more liberal areas of those states, some officials say they wouldn’t prosecute abortion providers or others involved in helping people get abortions.
US Army: Only 1% Refused Covid Vaccine
In other news about covid, public health officials are again urging the use of masks, and a federal judge on Friday blocked the Biden administration from lifting the Title 42 public health order.
Covid Flare-Ups Reported In Nursing Homes, States, Schools
Media outlets report grimly that covid is far from over, and is actually rising in Connecticut nursing homes, across Maryland, in Florida, Rhode Island, California, and in D.C.-area schools. Meanwhile, data show omicron was three times more deadly than delta in Massachusetts.
CDC Investigates As Child Hepatitis Outbreak Spreads To 36 States
About 180 children have been affected over the past seven months, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. In Mexico, the first child death from hepatitis has also been reported. NBC News notes there currently is still no conclusive proof linking the mystery outbreak to adenovirus.
39 Tons Of Baby Formula Arrived From Overseas
In related news, the Biden administration said Sunday that it would use the Defense Production Act to give Abbott and Reckitt priority on ingredients or equipment necessary to manufacture formula in the United States. And Abbott’s CEO apologizes.
Biden Reassures Americans About Monkeypox
The president said smallpox vaccine is effective against monkeypox and that the United States has enough of it. He also said it was unlikely that the U.S. would impose quarantine requirements on infected individuals. Covid czar Ashish Jha said he expects no widespread impact in the United States: “I feel like this is a virus we understand.”
3 Doses Of Pfizer Covid Vaccine Are 80% Effective In Young Kids: Study
Pfizer/BioNTech said the 80% efficacy figure may change as more data is gathered but is currently based on 10 symptomatic cases of covid that occurred seven days after the third dose of the vaccine. Adding to the promising news: Unlike the current shot for adults, this shot was tested and found protective during the omicron outbreak.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: Study May Have Found Cause Of SIDS; How Concerned Should We Be About Monkeypox?
Editorial writers delve into these public health issues.
Opinion writers tackle covid, abortion, and mental health.
Nevada Reveals Which 19 Health Facilities Had Superbug Candida Outbreaks
In revealing which hospitals and skilled-nursing facilities reported Candida auris fungus this year, the state’s health department did not say which was still suffering an outbreak. Also: a violent murder in an Indianapolis nursing home, a health worker mental health program in Ohio, and more.
More Longer Looks: Abortion and Reproductive Health
News outlets tackle the potential end of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 case that legalized abortion nationwide.
