Latest KFF Health News Stories
Patient In UK Has Monkeypox, Likely Caught In Nigeria
Also in the U.K., reports say food poverty jumped up 57% over three months, and people seeking support from food banks are asking for food that doesn’t need cooking to avoid soaring energy bills. Meanwhile in South Africa, the covid positivity rate is nearly at record levels again.
Gender-Affirming Meds For Youngsters Now Illegal In Alabama
Alabama is the first state to ban gender-affirming medication for young trans people, with a new law targeting those seeking care who are under 19. Meanwhile, in Missouri and Maine, high lead levels in school water supplies is causing concern, in some cases causing closure of schools.
NIH Efficiency Board Hasn’t Met In 7 Years For Unknown Reasons
A surprising report in Stat says some members of the oversight board, designed to improve efficiency at the National Institutes of Health, aren’t even sure if the board still exists. Other health industry news includes health care hiring rising in April, a federal investigation of Cerebral, and more.
‘Pediatric Pandemic’ Of Suicidal Teens Overnighting In ERs
The New York Times says a surge in mental health problems in young people during the pandemic is resulting in regular boarding in emergency departments, partly due to declines in residential facilities for younger patients. Other mental health stories include a San Francisco program to link patients to services.
CDC Probe Of Children’s Hepatitis Outbreak Looks At Common Virus
Investigators say they have not yet determined if a type of adenovirus — a common virus that causes intestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea — is causing the outbreak but it has been linked to about half the hepatitis cases among children. They are also looking at the possibility of a covid infection, but they ruled out any link to the covid vaccines because many of the children had not been vaccinated. In other news, the infant formula shortage is worsening.
Clampdown On J&J Covid Shot Hasn’t Disrupted Vax Rollout, Providers Say
And new studies appear to show that three covid vaccine doses protect against Omicron subvariants. Also: nasal vaccines, an Idaho doctor who is spreading vaccine misinformation, and more.
White House Sounds Alarm Over Looming Winter Covid Surge
Due to new omicron subvariants, the Biden administration estimates that the U.S. could see 100 million covid infections this coming fall and winter. Officials say that additional funds are urgently needed to combat the wave.
Wisconsin Anti-Abortion Group Hit In Arson Attack
News outlets report a fire early Sunday at the office of Family Action is being investigated by local police as arson. Meanwhile the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) has predicted Wisconsin’s abortion ban law wouldn’t stay in place long if Roe v. Wade is overturned.
Inner Workings Of Supreme Court Under Microscope With Leak
NPR’s court reporter says that the “leading theory” is that a conservative clerk leaked the Supreme court draft opinion last week, while Republicans want the Justice Department to launch another investigation. And the daughter of Norma McCorvey, the famous “Jane Roe” plaintiff, reacts to the looming reversal of abortion law.
Protesters, Public Opinion Polls Voice Opposition For Overturning Roe
In continued reaction to the Supreme Court’s leaked decision: Abortion-rights supporters have continued to protest, including outside justices’ homes. And a wave of donations flow to reproductive rights groups, while surveys show more Americans support federal abortion rights. Also, demand for abortion medication is on the rise.
Senate To Vote On Abortion Bill As Democrats Warn GOP Will Push National Ban
Senate Democrats are targeting Wednesday to hold what is expected to be a symbolic vote on a doomed bill to codify abortion rights in the U.S. Lawmakers took to the Sunday morning shows to voice their support or opposition for an expected Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: Ideas To Tackle Mental Health Struggles; Florida Ignoring Kids’ Mental Health Needs
Opinion writers delve into these public health issues.
Editorial writers examine the many aspects of abortion rights.
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 abortion, doulas, long covid, elderly driving, dermal fillers, and more.
Florida Settles Opioid Case With Walgreens For $683 Million
It’s the final settlement in a years-long case that totaled $3 billion in damages from 12 defendants. In Minnesota, the state Senate passes a bill to distribute millions for a separate opioid-related settlement.
Child Hepatitis Case Reported In North Dakota
The child is recovering at home after a brief hospitalization according to AP. The Washington Post reports on the mysterious pediatric hepatitis surge. Meanwhile, the disease causing meningitis hit Tallahassee as an outbreak in Florida grows: three new cases of meningococcal disease are reported.
White House Concerned Booster Supply May Soon Run Dry
Meanwhile, studies show two doses of J&J’s covid vaccine are effective against omicron; two novel covid vaccines show promise; California may allow pre-teens to get shots without parental consent; controversies over masking and mandates continue; and more.
Despite Omicron Surge, Insurers And Hospitals Are ‘In Very Good Shape’
Stat reports that even though federal relief efforts have eased, many hospitals and large insurance firms are doing as well or better than before the pandemic hit.
Common Pig Virus May Have Affected Experimental Human Transplant
The revolutionary surgery that saw a human receive a pig’s heart may have ended with the patient’s death because of pig cytomegalovirus, it’s now suspected. Separately, a push to get more Black Americans to sign up for organ donation, plus developments in uterine cancer and ibuprofen use.
