Latest KFF Health News Stories
Republicans Stymie Bill To Guarantee Birth Control Access Nationwide
The measure, brought forth in the Senate, was decried as a political stunt by Republican lawmakers even though the majority of American voters support access to contraception.
Case Of Rare Fungal STI Ringworm Reported In US For First Time
Physicians are saying they’re facing increasing trouble when it comes to treating fungal infections. In other developments, a possible salmonella outbreak in cucumbers has sickened over 150 people, hospitalizing 54.
Mexico Man’s Death Marks First Human Case Of H5N2 Bird Flu Variant
The variant, which killed a 59-year-old man, is not known to have spread to humans, authorities say. They stressed that there’s no evidence of person-to-person transmission linked to this subtype, and note the man had several prior health conditions.
Scientists Link More Than 200 Symptoms To Long Covid
A new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine also says a positive covid test isn’t necessary to diagnose long covid. Separately, physicians are asking if covid is to blame for a surge in “unusual” cancers.
This Fall’s Covid Shot Should Target JN.1 Variant, FDA Panel Agrees
The recommendation would lead to the third remake of covid vaccines since 2022, CIDRAP notes, with new shots targeting ever-evolving variants. FDA officials say the timing for this type of decision “remains elusive.” Also, a potential treatment is about to begin clinical trials in South Carolina.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Perspectives: HPV Vaccine Is Safe For All; Did An Op-Ed Influence The Rise In Prescription Prices?
Read recent commentaries about pharmaceutical issues.
Viewpoints: It’s Time To Update Laws On Food Allergies; Abortion Exceptions In Texas Are Too Complex
Editorial writers tackle food allergies, abortion laws, addiction, and more.
Too Many Still Believe MMR Vaccine Causes Autism; Progress Being Made In New Antibiotic Creation
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Special Report: Pharmacies In Crisis
AP takes a deep dive into the shortage of pharmacies and how a tidal wave of closures has affected the health care of residents — especially Black people and Latinos — in underserved or rural regions.
Gene Therapy Gives 5 Children With Total Deafness The Ability To Hear
Newly published research covers the success of the first trial of a breakthrough gene therapy in which the treatment was applied to children in both ears. Meanwhile, a transplanted pig kidney is removed from a human patient, but not because of the kidney itself: A heart pump issue was the cause.
Judge Rules CMS Miscalculated Medicare Star Rating for SCAN Health
SCAN Health Plan had sued CMS, saying regulators didn’t properly calculate the insurer’s Medicare Advantage rating. The decision could have industrywide implications, Modern Healthcare says.
Different Virus, ‘Same Mistakes’: Birx Sounds Alarm About Bird Flu Response
Deborah Birx, the former federal coronavirus response coordinator, thinks the U.S. should be testing cows and people often for the H5N1 bird flu virus so that we don’t reach pandemic stage. Meanwhile, Michigan pumps the breaks on field trips to dairy farms. Mpox and covid are also in the news.
Appeals Court Revives Sutter Health $411 Million Antitrust Class Action
The California health provider is accused of anticompetitive behavior that increased insurance costs and now must face a new trial. Also in the news: possible reforms for the 340B drug discount program, insurers address the affordable housing crisis, and more.
For Some At-Risk Groups, The CDC Now Advises Post-Sex Antibiotics
A dose of doxycycline within 72 hours of having sex is now the post-exposure prophylaxis measure recommended by the CDC for people at a higher risk of contracting bacterial STIs. Separately, research shows teens with strong family ties are less likely to have sex at young ages.
US Maternal Deaths Still Higher Than Other High-Income Nations: Study
The good news: Maternal deaths in the U.S. have fallen back to pre-pandemic levels. The bad, according to a study, is that those numbers exceed rates in other high-income nations, and the figures get worse for Black mothers. Another finding of the report is that most of the deaths are happening within the first year after birth.
FDA Panel Advises Against MDMA As Treatment For PTSD
Although advisers noted the promise of psychedelic use for patients who suffer trauma, they agreed clinical trials so far haven’t yielded convincing results. California-based Lykos Therapeutics said it would continue to work with the FDA to ease doubts.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Research Suggests Thinking Twice Before Drinking Alcohol On A Plane
German scientists found that consuming alcohol during flights led to blood oxygen decreases and heart rate increases. Other health and wellness news is on projected rates of cardiovascular disease, salt’s effect on the microbiome, spirituality in health care, and more.
Viewpoints: White House Improved Rules For Research On Dangerous Pathogens; New Parents Need Help
Editorial writers discuss dangerous pathogens, mental health, Alzheimer’s, and tobacco bans.
