Zika Is ‘Game-Changer’ For OB-GYN Doctors In Florida
By Sammy Mack, WLRN
August 5, 2016
KFF Health News Original
For doctors in obstetrics and gynecology, discussions with pregnant patients now include mosquito protection, testing options and the risks of microcephaly and other long-term effects in babies.
Researchers Identify A Key Weapon of Zika Virus
By Carmen Heredia Rodriguez
August 11, 2016
KFF Health News Original
University of Southern California scientists determined the virus uses certain types of protein to interrupt the brain development of fetuses. The finding is a step toward the possible development of an intervention that could prevent the infection from leading to microcephaly.
CDC Urges Doctors To Aggressively Test Pregnant Women For Zika
By Shefali Luthra
July 25, 2016
KFF Health News Original
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also directs that all pregnant women in the U.S. and its territories should be “assessed for possible Zika virus exposure” whenever they get a prenatal care visit.
How A Caribbean Island Became Prime Source Of U.S. Zika Cases
By Phil Galewitz
July 22, 2016
KFF Health News Original
Many Dominican Republic immigrants in Florida and New York City brought Zika home after visiting the island, one of many destinations outside the U.S. where Zika has been active, say public health officials.
After Feds Scale Back Money For Zika-Related Research, Sanofi Ends Vaccine Project
September 5, 2017
Morning Briefing
Sanofi was the only major pharmaceutical company working on a vaccine for the virus with a near-term market goal.
Genetic Mutation In Small Group Of Amish People May Hold The Key To Longer Lives
November 16, 2017
Morning Briefing
The Amish people involved in the study had unusually low levels of a certain protein mostly associated with blood clotting. Carriers of the mutation live on average to age 85, about 10 years longer than their peers, and seem to be completely protected from Type 2 diabetes. In other public health news: gun violence, Zika, robotic prosthetics, and more.
Nation Could Be Hit With Drug Shortages After Hurricane Slams Puerto Rico
October 2, 2017
Morning Briefing
The agency is closely tracking 40 high-priority drugs that are deemed essential and could run short nationally following potential damage to the island’s dozens of drugmaking plants. Meanwhile, the hurricane killed most mosquitoes that carry the Zika virus.
Zika Traveling Tips: Some Issues To Consider
By Carmen Heredia Rodriguez
July 11, 2016
KFF Health News Original
Organizations ranging from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to the Pan American Health Organization offer a range of resources regarding the Zika virus to help keep travelers safe and informed about risks.
Mapping Zika’s Family Tree With Genome Sequencing Shows The Origins Of An Epidemic
May 26, 2017
Morning Briefing
Using the technique could help researchers predict how the next pandemic will move across the globe.
Unintended Consequence: Blood Banks Could Feel The Squeeze From Zika Advisories
By Shefali Luthra
July 6, 2016
KFF Health News Original
Public health officials are wrestling with how to safeguard and maintain blood bank reserves in the face of concerns that the Zika virus can be spread through transfusions.
Though Fervor Over Zika Has Faded, Experts Warn Vigilance Is Still Needed
June 21, 2017
Morning Briefing
A new study shows an increase in Zika-carrying mosquitoes across the South.
Supercomputer Watson Was Going To Revolutionize Cancer Treatment. It Has Yet To Live Up To Hype.
September 6, 2017
Morning Briefing
Stat looks at the reasons why this lofty project faltered. In other public health news: HIV crime laws, CAR-T therapy, gene editing, pediatric blood-pressure guidelines, and Zika.
Most Americans Want More Federal Money To Stop Zika: Poll
By Phil Galewitz
June 30, 2016
KFF Health News Original
Almost two-thirds say federal funds should help women in Zika-affected areas get access to abortion, family planning and contraception services, a new Kaiser Family Foundation survey finds.
Burwell Says HHS Trying To Bring More Insurers Into Marketplaces
By Mary Agnes Carey
September 1, 2016
KFF Health News Original
The administration is working to maintain competition on the health law exchanges to help keep premium prices lower.
NIH’s Fauci On Combating Zika: ‘You Have To Have The Resources To Act Quickly’
By Carmen Heredia Rodriguez
July 12, 2016
KFF Health News Original
Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, recently spoke with KHN’s Carmen Heredia Rodriguez about vaccine development and the ongoing fight in Congress over emergency funding.
Despite Flu Vaccine’s Possible Link To Miscarriage, Experts Implore Pregnant Women To Still Get The Shot
September 25, 2017
Morning Briefing
While scientists look into the potential link, experts also say it is still very important for women to protect themselves and their babies from the flu. In other public health news: tetanus and other world health problems; mosquitoes; Zika; brain injuries and violence; restrictions on blood donors; and a quadruplet-success story.
Florida’s Mosquito Control Forces Mobilize Against Zika Threat
By Phil Galewitz
June 17, 2016
KFF Health News Original
Local mosquito control authorities prepare spray-and-trap offensive to halt Zika-carrying mosquitos in damp breeding grounds.
A Primer: How The Fight Against Zika Might Be Funded
By Shefali Luthra
June 23, 2016
KFF Health News Original
The Senate approved an amendment to a must-pass appropriations bill that provides $1.1 billion to combat the virus’s spread. A separate House proposal, which has drawn a veto threat from the White House, is also pending and it is not clear how they might compromise. But public health advocates say efforts are needed soon to fight the mosquito-based disease.
Can We Conquer All Diseases By The End Of The Century?
By Anna Gorman
October 5, 2016
KFF Health News Original
According to the neurobiologist heading a much-publicized effort funded by Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, putting scientists and engineers under one roof will be key.
Viewpoints: Opioids And America’s Backward Slide; Remaining Vigilant Against Zika
June 22, 2017
Morning Briefing
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
