The omicron subvariant BA.5 is quickly gaining prevalence in the U.S. and now accounts for nearly 54 percent of all cases, according to the CDC’s latest variant proportion update for the week ending July 2.
Category: Public Health
COVID-19 leading cause of death for 45-54 year olds in 2021
In 2021, COVID-19 was the leading cause of death for 45- to 54-year-olds, with 16.8 percent of deaths being attributed to the disease, a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine on July 5 found. In 2020, COVID-19 was the fourth leading cause of death,…
New York City ends COVID-19 alert system despite rise in cases
New York City health officials ended its COVID-19 alert system, which informed residents of changes in transmission levels, Bloomberg reported July 1.
COVID-19 cases to jump 32% by July 16 + 2 more forecasts
COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths will remain stable through late July while cases will continue to rise, national disease modeling suggests.
US monkeypox cases rise to 460: 4 outbreak updates
As of July 1, 460 cases of monkeypox have been confirmed across 31 states and Washington, D.C. That’s up from 351 cases as of June 29.
How Pfizer Won the Pandemic, Reaping Outsize Profit and Influence
The drugmaker has the best-selling vaccine to prevent covid and the most effective drug to treat it. Its success and might have overshadowed the government’s covid-fighting strategy.
Big Employers Are Offering Abortion Benefits. Will the Information Stay Safe?
Work-based benefits may expand access to abortion for people who live in areas where the service is unavailable, but experts warn that claiming benefits could create a paper trail for law enforcement officials to follow.
LA’s First Heat Officer Says Helping Vulnerable Communities Is Key to Achieving Climate Goals
Los Angeles taps Marta Segura, director of the city’s climate emergency mobilization office, as its first heat officer. Segura, the first Hispanic person to hold such a position in the country, will work across city departments on an early warning system while developing cooling strategies.
LA’s First Heat Officer Says Helping Vulnerable Communities Is Key to Achieving Climate Goals
Los Angeles taps Marta Segura, director of the city’s climate emergency mobilization office, as its first heat officer. Segura, the first Hispanic person to hold such a position in the country, will work across city departments on an early warning system while developing cooling strategies.
KHN’s ‘What the Health?’: A World Without ‘Roe’
The Supreme Court’s decision overturning Roe v. Wade has created far more questions than it has answered about the continued legality and availability of abortion, as both abortion rights supporters and anti-abortion activists scramble to put their marks on policy. Meanwhile, Congress completes work on its gun bill and the FDA takes up the problem of the next covid-19 booster. Margot Sanger-Katz of The New York Times, Sarah Karlin-Smith of the Pink Sheet, and Victoria Knight of KHN join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and more. Also this week, Rovner interviews KHN’s Angela Hart, who reported and wrote the latest KHN-NPR “Bill of the Month” episode about two identical eye surgeries with very different price tags.
