Latest KFF Health News Stories
Spotlight Falls On Surprising Covid Symptom: Black Tongue
Tongue discoloration is reportedly getting fresh attention as a lesser-known covid symptom of covid. Meanwhile, CDC data shows new covid subvariants have overtaken BA.5 for the first time in the U.S. And drugmakers who make treatments are struggling to keep up.
More Home Births Happened In 2021 Than For 30 Years
Media outlets cover a report from the CDC showing 2021 home birth figures jumped 12% from 2020’s total. But they still remain uncommon at 1.26% of all U.S. births. Separately, metro Atlanta abortion providers saw a surge in calls after Georgia’s abortion law was blocked.
FDA Clears Way For Lab-Grown Meat
Upside Foods’ cultivated chicken product was certified as safe for human consumption by the Food and Drug Administration. The move is anticipated to pave the way for a flood of available lab-grown meat products in the U.S.
Research Roundup: Leprosy; Covid; Malaria
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Monkeypox A Contributing Factor In Indiana Death, Officials Say
The state health commissioner warned that “this disease is still circulating and can cause severe illness and death.” Also in the news: dengue, Ebola, Hendra, and bird flu.
First Bill Solely Related to Marijuana Policy Heads To Biden’s Desk
The legislation facilitates medical marijuana research and gives doctors greater flexibility to talk about the drug with patients. Other congressional news reports on drug pricing, online safety, and CDC oversight.
Pediatricians Fighting RSV Wave Say It’s Time For National Emergency
With a surge of pediatric respiratory illnesses overwhelming emergency departments and pediatric offices, doctor groups are asking the Biden administration for aid that a declaration of a national emergency and public health emergency could provide. Other news on RSV and seasonal flu is also reported.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Viewpoints: Pediatric Health Care Must Be Prioritized; Ideas For Tackling The Mental Health Crisis
Editorial writers tackle these public health topics.
Affordable Health Care To Become Constitutional Right In Oregon
Although voters narrowly approved the ballot measure, the Oregon Capital Chronicle notes there’s no prescription as to how to act on it. A settlement for a covid outbreak in a veterans home, LGBTQ+ discrimination, and more are also in the news.
Lung Risks From Smoking Marijuana May Be Worse Than Cigarettes: Study
Media outlets report on a study that found smoking pot to be associated with potentially worse lung damage than tobacco-only cigarettes. Meanwhile, in Kentucky, the governor signed an executive order to partly legalize medical marijuana.
A Billion Young People Are At Risk Of Hearing Loss, Study Finds
A new study published in BMJ Journal places the blame on exposure to loud sounds from devices and music venues. Separately, The New York Times reports on rising frustration over Philips’ response to CPAP device recalls. Also: mental illness diagnosis on TikTok, the power of pets, and more.
Staff Shortages Lead To Difficulties In Discharging Patients
Axios says the issue of delayed discharges for patients in post-acute care is prompting calls for per diem Medicare payouts to cover extended costs. Also: children’s hospitals’ doctors are rallying over working conditions as the RSV surge stresses the system, the Washington Post reports.
FDA Authorizes Roche Monkeypox Test; RSV Is Hitting Adults, Too
The test detects DNA from the monkeypox virus in swabs from people suspected of viral infection. In other news, CNN reports that RSV hospitalization rates are 10 times higher for seniors than usual — though still lower than for children. A measles outbreak is also spreading in Ohio.
White House Asks For $10B More To Battle Covid
The money is sought by the end of the year to go to new vaccines and treatments. But on Tuesday Senate lawmakers voted to end the federal covid emergency declaration. NBC News’ data analysis finds covid hospitalizations and deaths are falling in the U.S.
‘Amazon Clinic’ Will Offer Virtual Care For About 20 Non-Urgent Conditions
The new service will offer help for conditions such as UTIs and erectile dysfunction and creates another rival for online companies Ro and Hims. However, Amazon’s massive existing customer base could immediately set it apart.
Senate Report: ICE Forced Women Into ‘Unnecessary’ Gynecological Exams
The findings were the result of an 18-month, bipartisan investigation into complaints of invasive procedures from women being held at a detention center in Georgia. Democratic Ga. Sen. Jon Ossoff called it “one of the most outrageous things this subcommittee has investigated over the past two years.”
Preterm Births In US Climb To 10.5%, Annual Report Card Finds
The March of Dimes’ latest report card gives the U.S. an overall D+ grade for its rate of preterm births, which can lead to infant death and have negative long-term effects on child development.
Judge Strikes Down Georgia’s Stricter Abortion Law
The judicial order to cease enforcement of Georgia’s 6-week abortion ban takes immediate effect. The state’s attorney general office is appealing the decision.
