Latest KFF Health News Stories
Viewpoints: Media Coverage Of Monkeypox Is Racist; Baby Formula Shouldn’t Be Treated As A Drug
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 hepatitis, “terramation,” feminine wash products, HIV and malaria vaccines, covid, and much more.
LA Will Restrict Sales Of Flavored Tobacco Products
The city’s new restrictions on the sale of sweet, spicy, and minty tobacco flavors will go into effect in January if the mayor signs the bill. Meanwhile, in two communities in Maine, a similar ban on the sale of flavored tobacco products went into effect Wednesday. Other tobacco- and drug-related news is reported.
DeSantis Amps Up Assault Against Rights Of Transgender Minors
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, is reportedly pushing to essentially ban transition-related care for minors and those on Medicaid. In South Dakota, Gov. Kristi Noem, a Republican, threatened to sue over a trans-inclusive school lunch policy.
Iran Has Zero Daily Covid Deaths For First Time In 2 Years
The Middle Eastern nation had one of the region’s highest number of covid cases. The World Health Organization, meanwhile, has good news for Africa with a prediction from models that deaths from covid may tumble 94% this year from 2021’s figures. But in India, covid is soaring.
Reports Of Kids With Melatonin Poisoning Jump Dramatically
Researchers looking into poisoning events involving children and the sleep-aid drug melatonin warn that figures have risen dramatically during the pandemic, up over six times the figures from a decade ago. Separately, the puzzling child hepatitis outbreak continues with 30 more U.S. cases.
Hack Hits 27,000 Customers Of Pharmacy App Capsule
Capsule has not revealed what data was compromised and says that an outside review determined its security measures were not at fault. In other cybercrime news, the Food and Drug Administration has warned DNA sequencing machines owned by Illumina may be hackable, potentially affecting diagnoses or leaking patient data.
Idaho Court To Hear Arguments On New Abortion Law In August
Planned Parenthood’s lawsuit against the state’s strict new anti-abortion law will likely be heard in the Idaho Supreme Court after the U.S. Supreme Court issues its ruling that could overturn Roe v. Wade. Separately, a political storm brews in Rhode Island as a senator was stopped from introducing a law to protect local providers from Texas-style prosecutions.
Ex-NIH Director Brushes Off Concerns Over ARPA-H Independence
The new research office, essentially a medical equivalent of defense research agency DARPA, has been surrounded by controversy over how it will act independently. The FTC suing to block hospital acquisitions in New Jersey and Utah, and other health industry matters are also in the news.
As Formula Shortages Grow, Parents Turn To Other Baby Food Options
Some families who are having trouble finding formula are using baby food to supplement their child’s nutrition, according to a new poll quoted by MarketWatch. Although federal officials have rushed to bring in formula from overseas to help stem the crisis, out-of-stock rates climbed to 74% last week.
Paxlovid Lowers Covid Hospitalization And Death Rates Among Seniors
An Israeli study, published without peer review, notes that the Pfizer drug helped lower hospitalizations for both vaccinated and unvaccinated covid patients over the age of 65. The treatment was not as effective for younger patients. Earlier studies of the drug have focused on unvaccinated patients. Also: the need for more treatment options; outbreaks among vaccinated people; and the impact of vaccination during pregnancy.
Majority Of Planet Has Covid Antibodies From Vaccines Or Infections: WHO
As of last October, the number stood at 67% of people globally — and with the following omicron surge, that percentage is surely higher. World Health Organization data also confirmed the benefit of vaccines against severe disease. Separately, Politico reports that the CDC is researching deaths to determine possible linkages to long covid.
WHO Pushes Unified Monkeypox Response; US May Not Share Shots
As the unexpected global monkeypox outbreak spreads, with probable U.S. cases now also in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Chicago, the World Health Organization said that a global fight is needed that includes Africa. Politico reports the U.S. is “undecided” on sharing its vaccine store.
Young Americans Taking Their Own Lives With Guns Hits Record Levels
The blooming mental health crisis among U.S. youth is leading to more attempted suicides, many using firearms and poisons at alarming levels.
Hospitals Bolster Security After Tulsa Shooting; Doctors Push For Gun Laws
As more details emerge about the mass shooting at an Oklahoma hospital campus, facilities nationwide grapple with the growing safety threat to medical professionals. And health workers are joining in the chorus of people demanding that lawmakers act on gun controls.
Medicare Trust Fund Gains A Little Breathing Room
The annual trustees report estimates that the Medicare trust fund will be able to pay all the costs for hospital services of older and disabled beneficiaries until 2028, two years later than the trustees said last year. Their analysis, which also noted an improved outlook for the Social Security trust fund, credited the strong economic recovery following the covid crisis.
Littlest Kids Could Start Getting Covid Shots In Weeks
Biden administration officials say that covid vaccines could arrive in doctor’s offices as soon as June 21 to start administering to most children under 5 — if approved by the FDA following a June 15 meeting of vaccine advisers.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers weigh in on abortion and covid issues.
Viewpoints: Monkeypox Causing Confusion; FDA Must Act To Avoid Future Drug Shortages
Editorial writers tackle these public health topics.
