As more countries report mpox infections, the United States is preparing for an mpox strain more severe than the version that recently circulated the world, NBC News reported Sept. 6.
Category: Public Health
KFF Health News’ ‘What the Health?’: Live from Austin, Examining Health Equity
The term “health equity” means different things to different people. Beyond guaranteeing all Americans access to adequate, affordable medical care, the pursuit of equity can include addressing social determinants of health, such as housing, education, and environment. Systemic and historical racism — manifested in over-policing or contaminated drinking water, for instance — can negatively affect health. In a live taping at the Texas Tribune Festival, special guests Carol Alvarado, the Texas state Senate’s Democratic leader, and Ann Barnes, president and CEO of the Episcopal Health Foundation, along with KFF Health News’ Sabriya Rice and Cara Anthony, join KFF Health News’ Julie Rovner to discuss addressing health inequities.
CDC: Bird flu case reported in person with no known animal exposure
The CDC has confirmed the nation’s first case of bird flu in a person who had no known occupational exposure to infected animals, the agency said Sept. 6.
Health Secretary Becerra Touts Extreme Heat Protections. Farmworkers Want More.
Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra has a plan to protect farmworkers from extreme heat and wildfire smoke, but farmworkers who pick California grapes say they need more, as climate change brings more extreme weather.
How Many Adults with Private Health Insurance Could Use GLP-1 Drugs
More than two in five (42%) or 57.4 million adults under 65 with private insurance could be eligible under clinical criteria for GLP-1 drugs used to treat people with type 2 diabetes, obesity, or excess weight and weight-related health issues, accordin…
8 causes of death driving up mortality in the US
All-cause mortality is rising in the U.S., but the reason behind it is difficult to pinpoint, an opinion essay published in JAMA said.
As Record Heat Sweeps the US, Some People Must Choose Between Food and Energy Bills
An increasing number of Americans struggle with energy poverty, the inability to adequately heat or cool one’s dwelling. Health officials and climate experts are sounding the alarm as record-breaking heat sweeps the nation.
Boom, Now Bust: Budget Cuts and Layoffs Take Hold in Public Health
State leaders are cutting public health spending and laying off workers hired during a pandemic-era grant boom. Public health officials say the bust will erode important advancements in the public health safety net, particularly in rural areas.
3 factors that could affect virus season
There’s a roughly 80% chance that combined peak hospitalizations from COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus and influenza will be similar or lower to levels seen during last year’s respiratory virus season, though three factors could lead to a higher b…
As Interest From Families Wanes, Pediatricians Scale Back on Covid Shots
Pediatricians want to vaccinate kids, but some say they’re keeping their stockpile of covid vaccines low to avoid being stuck with costly, unwanted shots. They can’t afford to stock up on costly shots that parents don’t want.
