Latest KFF Health News Stories
Invasive Mosquitoes Plunge Deeper Into California
Invasive mosquito species capable of carrying dangerous viruses such as Zika, dengue and yellow fever have been detected in 16 California counties. There’s no evidence the mosquitoes have transmitted these diseases within the state, but health officials urge residents to take steps to slow their spread.
Hurricane’s Health Toll: A Texas Doctor Taps Lessons From Katrina
After weathering the catastrophe in New Orleans 12 years ago, Dr. Ruth Berggren moved to Texas, where she again finds herself in the center of a hurricane crisis. In a Q&A, she draws parallels between the harrowing events and pinpoints risks in Harvey’s aftermath.
A esta madre hispana no le dijeron que tenía zika
Los resultados estuvieron listos en diciembre, pero Andrea Pardo no fue notificada hasta abril, cuando ya tenía 37 semanas de embarazo, de que había estado infectada con el virus del zika.
A Clinic Mix-Up Leaves Pregnant Woman In Dark About Zika Risk
A Washington state woman didn’t find out for months that she was likely infected with the virus that can cause serious birth defects. Clinic officials say they’ll do better.
Zika en América: la saga de una mamá hispana
Lo primero que hizo María Ríos cuando nació su beba es chequear el tamaño de su cabeza. Fue entonces cuando supo que sus miedos se habían hecho realidad: la niña había nacido con microcefalia, una consecuencia del zika.
Zika In America: One Mother’s Saga
So far, 72 affected babies have been born in the continental U.S. One young mother, infected in Mexico last year, and her infant face an uncertain future in rural Washington.
A New Zika Threat Hovers As Summer’s Mosquitoes Get Bzzzzy
The Zika virus, which made its appearance in the U.S. last summer, is still not well understood, and federal and state officials are not sure what to expect this year.
Federal Money For State-Level Zika Tracking, Prevention May End This Summer
California has reported more than 500 travel-related Zika infections, and five babies have been born in the state with birth defects related to the mosquito-borne disease.
Zika: brotes por el calor pueden acelerar una vacuna
Mientras las temperaturas más cálidas anuncian la llegada de mosquitos molestos, los investigadores están trabajando febrilmente en varias vacunas prometedoras contra el zika… pero hace falta un brote para probarlas.
Sprint To Find Zika Vaccine Could Hinge On Summer Outbreaks
In a paradox, researchers say testing for a vaccine will depend on the outbreak recurring this year.
En Puerto Rico persiste el rechazo al aborto, a pesar del zika
La Isla enfrenta una epidemia de Zika que pone a sus habitantes frente a dilemas médicos y religiosos.
In Puerto Rico, The Joy Of Pregnancy Is Tempered By Fear Of Zika
Because of the fears about devastating birth defects, carrying a child to term can be daunting for women in the commonwealth.
In Light Of Zika Findings, Stepped-Up Monitoring Of Children’s Symptoms Urged
Three different studies highlight the challenges ahead for the health system as it attempts to address the damage done to children who were exposed to it in utero.
Genetically Engineered Mosquitoes Split A Straw-Poll Vote In The Florida Keys
A plan to test the effectiveness of so-called “Frankenflies” is being closely watched by nearby Miami-Dade County as a possible way to combat the spread of Zika.
Researchers Unlock Mystery Of How Zika Spreads In Human Cells
Zika virus infection changes both viral and human RNA, affecting the body’s immune response, say researchers at the University of California, San Diego.
Many Localities Find Past Ambivalence On Mosquitoes Hinders Zika Response
Efforts to control and track the mosquitoes that carry the Zika virus have been hampered by lack of resources.
Got Zika? For Pregnant Women, Lab Constraints Mean It’s Often Hard To Know
Testing people — especially pregnant women — who may have been exposed to the virus is an integral part of the response strategy, but it’s putting a strain on this part of the nation’s public health infrastructure. New congressional funding could change that.
Women And The Zika Virus: Smart Questions And A Few Solid Answers
Here’s a breakdown of what women should know, and what is still unclear, regarding how Zika is transmitted, who is at risk and how to take precautions against it.
Congress Finally Approves Funding To Fight Zika — But What Does This Mean?
Mosquito season may be ending in parts of the U.S., but public health officials say the additional resources will make a difference because the threat will not be measured in one cycle but in years.
Reporter’s Notebook: Pregnant And Caught In Zika Test Limbo
Pregnant women in South Florida can get free Zika tests through the state’s health department. But delays in getting back the results are heightening worries and may affect medical options.
