Respiratory illness activity remains high across the U.S., with emergency department visits and positive test rates rising for COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus.
Category: Public Health
Polio's reemergence risk amid decreasing vaccinations: 4 things to know
Polio, a disease that in the past paralyzed thousands of Americans annually, is making a comeback in the U.S. due to vaccine skepticism and declining immunization rates, The New York Times reported Jan. 13.
Childhood illnesses could reappear in vaccinated adults
As pediatric vaccination rates continue to decline, preventable illnesses will reemerge for all age groups, according to The New York Times.
US leads world in overdose deaths: CDC
According to the latest CDC Monthly Provisional Drug Overdose Counts report, the U.S. continues to lead the world in overdose fatalities, with more than 100,000 deaths recorded in 2023.
Public health emergency declared over LA wildfires: 5 updates
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra has declared the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles County a public health emergency.
Doctors, Nurses Press Ahead as Wildfires Strain Los Angeles’ Health Care
A primary care clinic burned, medical offices closed, and hospitals struggled with possible evacuations. The wildfires that have incinerated large swaths of Los Angeles County are stressing the region’s health care infrastructure. Still, providers continue to find ways to deliver vital care.
Tufts exec: Bird flu outbreak unlikely to become a pandemic
Although any existing or emerging virus can become a pandemic, the H5N1 outbreak that has infected 66 Americans and more than 900 dairy herds is “poorly suited for pandemic potential,” according to Shira Doron, MD.
KFF Health News’ ‘What the Health?’: New Year, New Congress, New Health Agenda
Health is unlikely to be a top priority for the new GOP-led 119th Congress and President-elect Donald Trump. But it’s likely to play a key supporting role, with an abortion bill already scheduled for debate in the Senate. Meanwhile, it’s unclear when and how the new Congress will deal with the bipartisan bills jettisoned from the previous Congress’ year-end omnibus measure — including a major deal to rein in the power of pharmacy benefit managers. In this “catch up on all the news you missed” episode, Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico, Shefali Luthra of The 19th, and Lauren Weber of The Washington Post join KFF Health News’ Julie Rovner to discuss these stories and more.
Earlier onset of Type 2 diabetes linked to increased dementia risk: Study
A study found a connection between an earlier diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes and a heightened risk of developing dementia, particularly for individuals with obesity.
Norovirus and the 'quad-demic': What to know
A fourth illness is making waves this virus season alongside the flu, respiratory syncytial virus and COVID-19, creating a quadruple threat for the U.S.
