Public health

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Could mosquitoes deliver vaccines against malaria?

Engineered mosquitoes can deliver vaccines, potentially providing enhanced immunity against malaria, especially critical due to the high malaria death rate.

Mushrooming health subsidies are creating sick incentives for government to push suicide

The new UK law on assisted suicide raises significant ethical concerns, echoing similar trends in the USA.

Buruli ulcer: flesh-eating bacteria spreads in Melbourne suburb amid warning about rise in cases

Buruli ulcer cases in Victoria are rising, with a warning for the public to take protective measures against infection.

Bird flu: CA health officials say overall risk to public remains low, but best to exercise caution

The public health risk from bird flu in California is currently low, primarily affecting farmworkers due to exposure to infected cattle.
from WIRED
22 hours ago

This Tropical Virus Is Spreading Out of the Amazon to the US and Europe

Oropouche virus is rapidly spreading beyond South America due to environmental changes and increased travel, now affecting North America and Europe.

Louisiana bars health dept. from promoting flu, COVID, mpox vaccines: Report

Louisiana's health department prevents vaccine promotion amidst rising anti-vaccine sentiment, significantly impacting public health outreach.

Federal health authorities promote childhood vaccines in the shadow of Kennedy's bid for health secretary.

The campaign targets misinformation around childhood vaccinations, highlighting serious health risks and the need for better communication with parents.

Bird Flu Has Spread Out of Control after Mistakes by U.S. Government and Industry

Farmers have resorted to extreme measures to treat sick cows affected by the bird flu outbreak, reflecting a dire situation on dairy farms.

Louisiana forbids public health workers from promoting COVID, flu and mpox shots

Louisiana's health department restricts all vaccine promotion, raising public health concerns.
Policy implemented quietly, applying to all communication about vaccines.
The move reflects increasing anti-vaccine sentiments in the political landscape.

Bird Flu Hits Over Half of California Dairies, Spurring More Containment Efforts | KQED

California is facing a bird flu outbreak affecting dairy cattle and farmworkers, with ongoing safety and testing measures being implemented.

Big Health Care is ending a terrible year. Is anyone happy with this business?

Health care companies are facing increased scrutiny following the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, highlighting issues of high costs and denied claims.

US Leaders Dragged Their Feet Fighting Bird Flu. Now We Risk Another Pandemic.

Efforts to combat the bird flu among cattle are unprecedented, but the outbreak remains uncontrolled across multiple states.

Flu season explainer: the warning signs to look out for over Christmas - and how effective is the vaccine?

The flu vaccine offers reduced protection against a circulating strain this winter, increasing risks for vulnerable populations.

COVID's End-of-Year Surprise

COVID infection rates during the holiday season may not spike as significantly this year, making it unpredictable.

With government shutdown looming, what happens to bird flu surveillance?

Potential federal shutdown may impede response to H5N1 bird flu pandemic but state-level coordination will likely continue.

Flu season explainer: the warning signs to look out for over Christmas - and how effective is the vaccine?

Flu vaccine less effective for certain strains poses risks during winter and holiday gatherings.

'It's Living Hell': Nurses Say a California Addiction Recovery Program Ended Their Careers | KQED

California's law for impaired health workers is seen as punitive, bureaucratic, and costly, discouraging participation in recovery programs.

Dysfunction killed thousands of America's vulnerable elderly during COVID. This change could save lives next time

The author of a new book maintains that some-if not many-of those deaths didn't need to happen.
from www.scientificamerican.com
1 day ago

Trump's Pick to Lead NIH Will Leave People Sicker

Bhattacharya's perspective signals a shift in public health priorities towards personal autonomy and a critique of current NIH roles.
from www.mercurynews.com
1 day ago

How do people catch bird flu?

The rise in bird flu cases in cattle and chickens is causing concern for potential human infection risks.

America's Bird-Flu Luck Has Officially Run Out

Bird flu has resulted in severe human infections, highlighting risks as the virus spreads among livestock and people.

The bird flu outbreak keeps getting more worrying

The H5N1 bird flu outbreak has prompted California's emergency declaration due to rising infections in livestock.

Employers lobby to keep health care prices transparent in hopes of containing costs

Regulations requiring hospitals and insurers to disclose prices have not significantly impacted consumer costs, highlighting the need for stronger enforcement and legislation.

The UnitedHealthcare Tragedy Is Why Insurance Needs to Change Now

The U.S. health insurance system creates significant barriers for patients, overshadowing their recovery with bureaucratic challenges.

Journal retracts COVID study in favour of using hydroxychloroquine

A scientific study promoting hydroxychloroquine as a COVID-19 treatment has been retracted due to significant ethical and methodological concerns.

Newsom Declares Bird Flu Emergency as U.S. Sees 1st Severe Human Case | KQED

A recent bird flu case in Louisiana underscores the ongoing risk, yet the CDC assesses the public threat remains low.

Could bird flu in US livestock, poultry be risk to humans? DW 12/19/2024

H5N1 avian influenza in North America is raising alarm as infections spread, prompting governments to bolster vaccine readiness and health measures.

New flu vaccine methods show promise against H5N1 bird flu DW 12/19/2024

The H5N1 bird flu outbreak has US authorities and other nations on high alert, monitoring human cases and potential vaccination strategies.

Why California declared a state of emergency over bird flu

California declares a state of emergency due to H5N1 bird flu affecting dairy cows and causing mild human illnesses.

Why has California declared a state of emergency over bird flu?

H5N1 bird flu cases are rising in the US, leading to emergency measures in California and a severe case reported in Louisiana.

San Mateo County releases post-Covid report, expert critical of lack of transparency

San Mateo County's after-action report assesses its pandemic response, revealing strengths and weaknesses in communication and PPE management, and raises transparency concerns.

Trump's Return May Worsen Financial Woes for Global Health Institutions

Increased competition for funding threatens global health initiatives amid cuts and a focus on issues like climate change.

How Did Provider Groups React to Congress' End-of-Year Healthcare Package? - MedCity News

Congress' funding bill introduces key healthcare reforms targeting pharmacy benefit managers, telehealth access, and payment increases for hospitals and physicians.

Dozens of people get sick after L.A. Times 101 Best Restaurants event; health officials investigating

A possible norovirus outbreak linked to raw oysters served at the L.A. Times restaurant event has led to over 80 reported illnesses.

Newsom proclaims state of emergency in response to bird flu

California declared a state of emergency to combat avian flu outbreak affecting dairy farms, enhancing response efficiency.

Pandemic Experts Are Worried About Bird Flu - Here's Why

Farm workers are at high risk for bird flu infections, but severe illness is currently rare among them.

54 million COVID cases went unreported in 2022, new study says. Here's how to make your at-home test count

Between February 2022 and January 2023, an estimated 54 million U.S. COVID cases were unaccounted for as at-home testing rose in popularity.
#polio

Column: The latest evidence that putting RFK Jr. in charge of public health would be a disaster

Polio survivor Lynn Lane stresses the importance of vaccination and expresses concern over current skepticism about the polio vaccine.

Mitch McConnell warns RFK Jr. against effort to undermine polio vaccines

McConnell warns against vaccine skepticism as harmful and politically risky, especially for incoming administration appointees.

What RFK Jr. Has Said About the Polio Vaccine in Recent Years

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has conflicting views on the polio vaccine amidst his nomination, raising public concern over vaccine access.

Column: The latest evidence that putting RFK Jr. in charge of public health would be a disaster

Polio survivor Lynn Lane stresses the importance of vaccination and expresses concern over current skepticism about the polio vaccine.

Mitch McConnell warns RFK Jr. against effort to undermine polio vaccines

McConnell warns against vaccine skepticism as harmful and politically risky, especially for incoming administration appointees.

What RFK Jr. Has Said About the Polio Vaccine in Recent Years

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has conflicting views on the polio vaccine amidst his nomination, raising public concern over vaccine access.
morepolio
#affordable-care-act

Millions will see rise in health insurance premiums if federal subsidies expire

Federal health care subsidies are crucial for many, including those like Mayor Deutsch, whose affordable coverage may vanish after 2025.

Biden's last effort to boost ACA enrollment

Biden is pushing to extend ACA enrollment as sign-ups lag, emphasizing it as a major accomplishment.

Millions will see rise in health insurance premiums if federal subsidies expire

Federal health care subsidies are crucial for many, including those like Mayor Deutsch, whose affordable coverage may vanish after 2025.

Biden's last effort to boost ACA enrollment

Biden is pushing to extend ACA enrollment as sign-ups lag, emphasizing it as a major accomplishment.
moreaffordable-care-act

Large US nonprofit hospital system will spend $1bn in Chicago's South Side

Advocate Health is investing $1 billion in enhancing healthcare infrastructure and access in Chicago's South Side neighborhood.

Journal retracts study that promoted hydroxychloroquine as Covid treatment

A controversial study backing hydroxychloroquine as a Covid-19 treatment was retracted due to ethical concerns and methodological issues.

Congo says mystery disease behind dozens of deaths of women and children finally identified as severe malaria

The mysterious flu-like disease in the DRC has been identified as severe malaria complicated by malnutrition, primarily affecting women and children.

Opinion | I Was a Health Insurance Executive. What I Saw Made Me Quit.

Health insurance consumerism may benefit the healthy and wealthy while harming those with chronic conditions and inadequate coverage.

Some States With Abortion Bans Stand in the Way of Measuring Their Consequences

Abortion bans in some states are linked to increased maternal mortality, yet investigations into these deaths are being obstructed by political leaders.

COVID-19 Rates Are Strangely Low This Holiday Season

The U.S. may experience a lighter COVID-19 holiday season due to low infection rates and enhanced population immunity.

Berkeley Whooping Cough Cases Have Nearly Quadrupled in 2 Months | KQED

Vaccine hesitancy and access issues have led to a surge in whooping cough cases in California.

California Fines Health Insurer for Mishandling Complaints of Delayed, Denied Claims | KQED

Timely responses from health insurers are crucial for patients, particularly those needing chronic or mental health treatment. Delays can exacerbate conditions.
#health-insurance

Americans Point Out That UnitedHealthcare Tried to Kill Them First

The killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson highlights widespread anger towards the unjust US health insurance system and its impact on patients.

What a CEO Shooting Can Teach Nonprofits About Our Health Insurance Mess - Non Profit News | Nonprofit Quarterly

Public anger over health insurance reflects deep frustrations with the system.
Nonprofits are vital in healthcare yet struggle with rising costs and limited benefits.

Americans Point Out That UnitedHealthcare Tried to Kill Them First

The killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson highlights widespread anger towards the unjust US health insurance system and its impact on patients.

What a CEO Shooting Can Teach Nonprofits About Our Health Insurance Mess - Non Profit News | Nonprofit Quarterly

Public anger over health insurance reflects deep frustrations with the system.
Nonprofits are vital in healthcare yet struggle with rising costs and limited benefits.
morehealth-insurance

California Declares an Emergency Over Bird Flu

California's bird flu outbreak among dairy cattle is a serious emergency requiring immediate action and resources for containment.

How much power would RFK Jr. have at HHS? A former health secretary weighs in

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. seeks to lead the Department of Health and Human Services despite being a controversial figure, with mixed political support.

What to know: Centers for Disease Control confirms first severe case of H5N1 bird flu in U.S.

Health officials in Louisiana are reporting the first severe case of the H5N1 bird flu in the United States on Dec. 18, 2024.
Cases of the virus up to this point have been mild.

Rage has long shadowed American health care. It's rarely produced big change.

The outpouring of anger at health insurers following the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson continues a cycle of rage that dates back decades.

How Do Expiration Dates Impact the Accuracy of Covid Test Kits? Examining Shelf Life Effects

Using an expired COVID-19 test kit can lead to false results and unreliable health decisions.

UnitedHealth, CVS, and Cigna stock prices take another hit after Trump says he's going to 'knock out' drug industry middlemen

Trump's comments about pharmacy benefit managers led to significant stock declines for major healthcare companies.

Weight-loss drug craze appears to be curbing US obesity epidemic

The decline in obesity rates in 2023 suggests medications like Ozempic are effectively addressing the obesity epidemic in the US.

How to travel safely as dengue fever cases rise in Mexico, Caribbean

Dengue fever outbreaks are escalating in Latin America and the Americas, particularly affecting travelers and causing significant health concerns.

Trump's Picks for Top Federal Health Agencies Look Like "Team of Opponents"

Trump's health nominees may clash over public health policies and scientific principles, notably regarding vaccines and abortion.

RFK Jr.'s key advisor petitioned to revoke approval of the polio vaccine. Photos show the US's last outbreak.

Health experts warn that revoking the polio vaccine approval could risk a resurgence of the disease in the US.

DRC health ministry says mystery disease is severe' form of malaria

Severe malaria with respiratory symptoms has been identified in DRC, exacerbated by malnutrition and food insecurity.
Malaria remains a significant health challenge in DRC, with substantial mortality linked to social determinants like malnutrition.

Betsy McCaughey: Don't blame insurers' greed - government made a mess of our health care

Healthcare costs and claim denials are exacerbated by ACA regulations rather than solely by insurer greed.
Insurance pre-authorization processes create dangerous delays in patient care, impacting treatment outcomes.

San Francisco Overdose Deaths Up in November, But Still Below Peak Last Year | KQED

San Francisco has seen a decrease in overdose deaths due to improved treatment options and an increase in medication access for opioid use disorder.

Mpox: German school temporarily closed after case reported DW 12/16/2024

A school in North Rhine-Westphalia was closed as a precaution due to two children infected with the mpox virus, transitioning to online lessons.

Toronto's unemployment rate is at its highest point since the COVID-19 pandemic. Here is where experts say the job market is headed.

Nearly 380,000 Torontonians were searching for a job in November as the city's unemployment rate reached a level not seen since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Anthony Fauci Tells SciAm This Is Our Biggest Public Health Weakness

Fauci's memoir highlights his lifelong dedication to science and public service amidst political landscapes.

Bird flu is a real pandemic threat. Are we prepared for the worst? | Devi Sridhar

Avian flu poses increasing global health risks with new mammal-to-human transmission cases.
Governments may need to activate pandemic plans due to the potential for H5N1 to mutate.,
#insurance

The Health-Care System Isn't Hopeless

The U.S. has a broken healthcare system that requires policy improvements, not vigilante actions, to address high costs and poor outcomes.

How Did We End Up with Such an Opaque and Costly Health-Care System?

The article highlights the stark contrast between billed healthcare costs and insurance payments, illustrating the pricing issues in the U.S. healthcare system.

The Health-Care System Isn't Hopeless

The U.S. has a broken healthcare system that requires policy improvements, not vigilante actions, to address high costs and poor outcomes.

How Did We End Up with Such an Opaque and Costly Health-Care System?

The article highlights the stark contrast between billed healthcare costs and insurance payments, illustrating the pricing issues in the U.S. healthcare system.
moreinsurance

Indigenous Patients Threatened by Collections Over Medical Debt Government Owes

Medical debt burdens Native Americans due to failures in the Indian Health Service's billing processes, impacting credit scores and financial stability.
#health-policy

Outcry after RFK Jr linked to effort to nix US approval for polio vaccine

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. tries to clarify his stance on vaccines amidst backlash over his nomination to lead Health and Human Services.

Polio vax petition could preview more challenges

Concerns rise over polio vaccine safety as Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s ally petitions the FDA for its approval to be revoked.

Will Trump and RFK Jr. Try to Ban or Restrict Any Vaccines?

Trump supports eliminating vaccines deemed 'dangerous' or 'not beneficial', echoing anti-vaccine sentiments.

Outcry after RFK Jr linked to effort to nix US approval for polio vaccine

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. tries to clarify his stance on vaccines amidst backlash over his nomination to lead Health and Human Services.

Polio vax petition could preview more challenges

Concerns rise over polio vaccine safety as Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s ally petitions the FDA for its approval to be revoked.

Will Trump and RFK Jr. Try to Ban or Restrict Any Vaccines?

Trump supports eliminating vaccines deemed 'dangerous' or 'not beneficial', echoing anti-vaccine sentiments.
morehealth-policy

The big healthcare changes in Germany in 2025

Germany's e-patient file will enhance healthcare by allowing access to medical records digitally.
Amalgam fillings will be banned from January 2025 in Germany due to environmental policies.

Equitable Innovation to Confront the Divide in Health Technology - Non Profit News | Nonprofit Quarterly

Healthcare innovations promise benefits but also widen health inequities, particularly in low-income areas lacking necessary infrastructure and digital access.

Winter makes you more vulnerable to cold and flu viruses. Here's what to do about it

Cold weather facilitates the spread of respiratory viruses, increasing incidence rates of colds and flu, but does not directly cause infections.

Suzanne Crowe: Dark reaction to CEO's murder shows why we must guard against a US-style health insurance market taking hold in Ireland

The shooting of a health insurance executive highlights the emotional turmoil surrounding health insurance issues in the US.
#mitch-mcconnell

McConnell Urges RFK Jr. to Steer Clear' of His Top Aide's Dangerous' Effort to Revoke Polio Vaccine

Sen. Mitch McConnell emphasizes the importance of the polio vaccine, reflecting on his own childhood experience with the disease and the dangers of misinformation.

McConnell puts RFK Jr. on notice over polio vaccine

Mitch McConnell warns that undermining vaccines, like the polio vaccine, is dangerous and unacceptable, emphasizing the need for trust in medical science.

The irony of RFK Jr. and the polio vaccine - 48 hills

The Hart family's vaccination experience underscores the societal response to polio before and after the Salk vaccine.

McConnell Urges RFK Jr. to Steer Clear' of His Top Aide's Dangerous' Effort to Revoke Polio Vaccine

Sen. Mitch McConnell emphasizes the importance of the polio vaccine, reflecting on his own childhood experience with the disease and the dangers of misinformation.

McConnell puts RFK Jr. on notice over polio vaccine

Mitch McConnell warns that undermining vaccines, like the polio vaccine, is dangerous and unacceptable, emphasizing the need for trust in medical science.

The irony of RFK Jr. and the polio vaccine - 48 hills

The Hart family's vaccination experience underscores the societal response to polio before and after the Salk vaccine.
moremitch-mcconnell

German school temporarily closed after mpox case reported DW 12/16/2024

A school in North Rhine-Westphalia closed due to mpox infections, impacting students and leading to online lessons.

Pediatric RSV vaccine trial paused by Moderna amid safety concerns

There has yet to be an RSV vaccine for children-despite those under 5 being the most vulnerable population.

People who rely on birth control to manage health conditions worry about access

People who rely on birth control to deal with other health conditions are particularly worried about how misinformation about the drugs has entered the political sphere.

Carfentanil-Involved Drug Overdoses Soar From 2023 to 2024

The latest data from a new CDC report show a 700% plus increase in overdose deaths involving the fentanyl analog carfentanil in a 1-year period.

After pandemic explosion, California drug overdose deaths are falling fast

California experienced a notable decline in overdose deaths for nine consecutive months, reversing the trend seen during the pandemic.

How to choose a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan

Taking the time to figure out which plan is right is vitally important for the 51 million Medicare beneficiaries with prescription drug coverage.

It's Not Just Denied Claims. Insurance Firms Are Hiring Middlemen to Deny Meds.

Protests arise over health care denial issues, highlighting frustrations with profit-driven insurance, particularly after the assassination of UnitedHealthcare's CEO.
The role of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in escalating drug costs remains largely unexamined by the public, despite their significant impact.

Mega-Farms Are Driving the Threat of Bird Flu

The H5N1 bird flu virus is increasingly affecting poultry and dairy farms, raising concerns about potential human transmission.

H5N1. Ozempic. Toxic drugs. Here are the health stories we're watching in 2025 | CBC News

The spread of H5N1 bird flu remains a significant health concern, warranting increased surveillance and monitoring in 2025.

Brandy Zadrozny Tells Chris Hayes That RFK Jr. Is Ant-Poliio Vaccine

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. doubts the efficacy of the polio vaccine, attributing disease eradication to sanitation improvements.

Two more cases of bird flu in humans reported in California

Two farmworkers in California reported with mild bird flu symptoms after animal exposure; precautions advised to prevent further spread.

Naas General Hospital advises patients with non-emergency issues not to attend A&E due to 'long wait times'

Naas General Hospital advises non-emergency patients to seek alternative care due to high wait times from increased flu and RSV cases.
from www.nytimes.com
1 week ago

What the Polio Vaccine Has Meant for Public Health

The polio vaccine is crucial for preventing outbreaks in the U.S., despite calls to revoke its approval due to testing methods.
from english.elpais.com
1 week ago

Five years after start of pandemic, no one knows how many people are living with long Covid: They see you as a bum who doesn't want to work'

Estimating the number of long Covid sufferers is difficult due to societal disbelief and the illness's lack of detectable biomarkers.
from www.esquire.com
1 week ago

RFK Jr.'s Lawyer Aaron Siri Wants Government to Revoke Polio Vaccine Approval

Growing skepticism about vaccines could endanger public health efforts and vaccination rates.
The Trump's administration personnel choices may threaten established vaccination policies.
from www.theguardian.com
1 week ago

RFK Jr key adviser petitioned regulators to revoke approval of polio vaccine

Aaron Siri is advocating for the revocation of key vaccine approvals, indicating potential shifts in public health policy under the Trump administration.

Most Americans Say They Have Good Health Insurance, Polls Show

The U.S. health insurance debate is intensifying, revealing a divide in personal satisfaction versus national perceptions of health care coverage.

Americans are furious over health care. Is this an Occupy Wall Street moment?

The killing of CEO Brian Thompson highlights deep-seated frustrations about the U.S. health care system's costly and inaccessible nature.
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