Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations. Note to readers: KHN’s First Edition will not be published Monday, May 30, in honor of Memorial Day. Look for it again in your inbox on Tuesday.
Editorial writers weigh in on mental illness, baby formula shortage and autism caregivers.
Opinion writers discuss covid and Roe V. Wade issues.
Research Roundup: Covid; Pig-To-Human Kidney Transplant; Dementia
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
US Tourist Deaths In Bahamas Blamed On Carbon Monoxide
The deaths earlier this month had been a puzzle, but reports now say that the three U.S. tourist deaths at a Sandals resort were from carbon monoxide. Sandals has now added CO detectors to guest rooms. Separately, the WHO says global covid cases are beginning to drop again after a surge.
Medicaid Expansion Bill Introduced In North Carolina
North Carolina Health News notes that after health care advocates had been pushing for years, “it finally happened.” A separate report in Stateline explains how Medicaid pregnancy care varies very widely across the states, which is significant because 40% of U.S. births are financed by the program.
Legionnaires’ Disease Sickens 19, Kills 1 In Bronx Neighborhood
The Health Department is reportedly investigating cooling towers in the borough’s Highbridge section. Also: a child’s death from a polio-like illness is giving clues on enterovirus; a new analysis in San Francisco shows pollution’s impact on Black, Latino, Asian, and low-income residents, and more.
Eli Lilly To Spend $2.1 Billion On New Drug-Making Plants In Indiana
Company officials said the new manufacturing sites will make active ingredients and new therapeutic drugs, including those used to treat diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer’s, and cancer. In West Virginia, a tentative agreement has been made on settlements over the opioid crisis, for $161.5 million.
Residents At Risk In Indianapolis Nursing Home: Report
A report in the Indianapolis Star says after a resident was raped and killed at Homestead Healthcare Center, the rest of the residents are still at risk. Meanwhile, in Nevada, outbreaks of “superbug” Candida auris are now being investigated by the CDC.
University Of Delaware Reinstates Indoor Mask Rule Ahead Of Biden Visit
Cases are rising at UD and other schools as graduation festivities continue in full swing across the U.S. Other news is on the CureVac, Novavax, J&J, and flu vaccines.
Study Says Vaccines Don’t Stop Long Covid Symptoms
The Washington Post says the large study shows vaccines only have a “slight” protective effect against long covid symptoms, preventing just a few. AP remarks the study shows older adults are at higher risk for long covid. A CIDRAP report covers lung abnormalities in former covid patients.
Another 36 Child Hepatitis Cases Reported By CDC
The total number of cases of the mysterious illness in the U.S. is now 216, including two cases in Utah and 9 possible cases in Illinois where all the children concerned are under 10.
Smallpox Drug, New Test Kits Could Help Curb Monkeypox Outbreak
Meanwhile, the CDC issued an alert for travelers as more cases are confirmed across the globe. And a Nigerian health expert said his warnings and requests for help went unheeded during an unusual monkeypox outbreak that started in 2017 and continues today.
Gov. Abbott’s Mental Health Cuts Under Scrutiny After Deadly School Shooting
In the wake of mass fatalities at a Texas school, Gov. Greg Abbott speculated that the gunman had mental health issues and called for more to be done. But last month, Abbott slashed $211 million from the state’s department that oversees mental health programs, NBC News reports. News outlets also report on how such traumatic events impact kids across the nation.
Califf Details Unsanitary Formula Plant Conditions, Says FDA Should’ve Moved Quicker
“Frankly, the inspection results were shocking,” Dr. Robert Califf said of the Abbott Nutrition plant in Michigan while speaking to lawmakers about the infant formula shortage. A representative for Abbott also testified, giving a more optimistic timeline for reopening than the one outlined by the FDA.
Nation’s Most Sweeping Abortion Ban Enacted In Oklahoma
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, a Republican, signed into law Thursday a prohibition on abortions beginning at fertilization. The measure, which went into immediate effect, also carries a private enforcement clause like the Texas law.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Monkeypox Not An Unknown Like Covid; Build Back Better Would Prevent ACA Price Increase
Editorial writers weigh in on these public health topics.
Different Takes: Why Has Global Covid Vaccination Failed?; US Sorely Lacking In Lactation Support
Opinion writers examine covid vaccines, baby formula, and abortion issues.
Pfizer Trying To Address Drug Access In Poorer Nations With Lower Prices
Bloomberg reports on what it says is “one of the most comprehensive and ambitious drug-access programs ever” by a big manufacturer: Pfizer will sell its entire brand-name portfolio at cost in around 45 countries. Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal notes big incomes from covid drugs are plateauing.
