Latest KFF Health News Stories
Tattoo-Lymphoma Link Discovered, But Cancer Experts Cast Doubt On Findings
Researchers “found no evidence to suggest that the risk increased” because of tattoos. Elsewhere, patients in England will be participating in a study to determine whether a cancer vaccine is as promising as they hope at killing cancer cells and preventing a resurgence of the disease.
Senator Asks FTC, SEC To Investigate UnitedHealth Over Cyberattack
In a letter sent Thursday, Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon argued that the hack could have been averted if the company had adhered to industry best practices, Becker’s reported.
Remote Abortion Care Likely Accounts For National Uptick In Numbers
An analysis by the Society of Family Planning finds that the estimated abortions in 2023 increased slightly over the year before. Telehealth abortion consultations and shield laws are likely behind that trend. States with abortion bans saw their numbers drop significantly, some to nearly zero.
Most Of Doctors’ X Posts Endorsing Drugs Or Devices Came With Payment
An analysis finds strong financial ties between drug and device manufacturers and the doctors who endorse their products on X, formerly known as Twitter. Other pharmaceutical news is on the drug discount program, weight loss drugs, and more.
After Infant Formula Shortage, FDA Plans To Shake Up Its Food Division
Meanwhile, Dairy Manufacturers Inc. has recalled some versions of the infant formulas Crecelac and Farmalac, sold in Texas, because they didn’t meet FDA standards.
Some Covid Symptoms Can Persist Years After Infection, Study Finds
Four years in, researchers are learning that for some patients, particularly those who suffered severe bouts, the virus caused lasting effects for more than three years. And although boosters offered good protection against severe illness, research shows the need for a jab targeted at the JN.1 subvariant.
Latest Human Case Of Bird Flu Could Change Trajectory Of Illness
Another dairy farmworker in Michigan has been infected with bird flu, but the unidentified person is the first to suffer from respiratory symptoms. The presence of a cough sparked alarm over the potential for spread to others. “Simply put, someone who’s coughing may be more likely to transmit the virus than someone who has an eye infection like conjunctivitis,” CDC Deputy Director Nirav Shah said at a news conference Thursday.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Third US Case of Bird Flu Confirmed; First With Respiratory Symptoms
Michigan health officials and the CDC confirmed Thursday that a second person in the state has been infected with bird flu. It’s the third human infection associated with the U.S. outbreak in cattle. This dairy farm worker is the first to present with respiratory symptoms — a cough, though no fever — as well as “eye discomfort” present in the other two cases. All three people were exposed to infected cattle and there’s no evidence the virus is spreading from person to person.
Research Roundup: Dengue Virus; Alzheimer’s; Bird Flu Vaccines; Covid
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Fla. Gov. DeSantis Signs Into Law ‘Rural Emergency Hospitals’ Designation
The legislation, which passed unanimously, goes into effect July 1. Other health news from around the country is on sex designation on Montana birth certificates, naloxone in Texas, homelessness in California’s San Mateo County, and more.
Night Owls Take Note: Study Finds Late Bedtimes May Harm Mental Health
Research shows that going to sleep later may have a negative impact on mental health, regardless of whether the person is a night owl or early bird. Separately, another study finds that placebo drugs can improve mental health symptoms.
Viewpoints: Is There Really A Maternal-Mortality Crisis?; EMTALA Threatens Reproductive Health Care
Editorial writers examine issues in reproductive health care, mpox, syphilis, and more.
Ascension’s Health Records Are Back Online In One Area After Cyberattack
The hospital system is still working to restore access in other areas and on its IT systems. Other news is on DocGo, liver transplant policy, Obamacare subsidies, and more.
Weight Loss Drug Shortages Drive Telehealth Company To Offer Tracker
The popularity of diabetes drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro has led to shortages. Patients with prescriptions can now use Ro’s new online tool to find supplies. Other news on the medications reports on the cost to the U.S. health care system and on users’ firsthand experiences.
‘Botnet’ That Stole Nearly $6 Billion In US Covid Relief Funds Is Shut Down
The Department of Justice has charged a Chinese national with operating the “world’s largest botnet” that stole $5.9 billion in covid relief funds and is responsible for other crimes. With the FBI, the agency has also shut down the malware network.
FDA: Nicotine Alternatives In Vapes May Be More Addictive Than Nicotine
Reuters points out that the synthetic, nicotine-like substances are not subject to U.S. tobacco and vaping regulations. In related news, a New York judge’s ruling offers a break to Pfizer in its legal battle over the smoking-cessation drug Chantix.
Girls’ First Periods Are Coming Earlier And Are Less Regular, Study Shows
Early menstruation – with early exposure to estrogen – is related to an increased risk of myriad health issues, including death. Moreover, the premature periods are more pronounced among Black and low-income girls.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Complex US Health System To Blame For High Cost Of Ozempic, Novo Says
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
