Category: Public Health

Rare dengue case reported in California 

Health officials confirmed dengue virus in a California resident with no history of international travel, marking an “extremely rare case of local transmission” in the U.S., the Pasadena Public Health Department said Oct. 20. 

Using Opioid Settlement Cash for Police Gear Like Squad Cars and Scanners Sparks Debate

State and local governments will receive a windfall of more than $50 billion over 18 years from settlements with companies that made, sold, or distributed opioid painkillers. Using the funds for law enforcement has triggered important questions about what the money was meant for.

The Spandex dilemma: Does size still matter?

In today’s fashion landscape, one may wonder if size truly matters anymore. With the prevalence of spandex in clothing, determining one’s actual size has become a challenging feat. The question arises: what role does spandex play in the ong…

Why Is Finding Covid Shots for Young Children Still So Hard?

In Los Angeles and elsewhere, some parents are having trouble finding the new pediatric covid shot, especially for young children. Not all pediatricians or pharmacies have it and can administer it, even if vaccines.gov says they can.

Let’s Have an Honest Conversation About What to Expect as You Age

A leading geriatrician says a lot of health information for older adults isn’t as useful as it should be. No person’s aging process looks exactly like another’s. So she’s written a guidebook.

Flesh-eating parasite now endemic to parts of US, CDC says

Leishmania mexican, a flesh-eating parasite that also causes fever, weight loss, and an enlarged spleen and liver is now endemic to Southern parts of the U.S., CDC experts told CBS News Oct. 19.

Chan Zuckerberg Institute, 3 universities aim to speed disease detection with new research hub

A new biomedical research hub is coming to New York City, with the ultimate goal of bioengineering immune cells capable of stopping a disease in its tracks. 

Senators Demand Answers From Social Security on Clawbacks Tied to Covid Relief

Covid relief payments weren’t supposed to cost people their Social Security benefits, but some recipients say they did. Senators want to know why.

KFF Health News’ ‘What the Health?’: The Open Enrollment Mixing Bowl

Open enrollment for Medicare beneficiaries with private health plans began Oct. 15, to be followed Nov. 1 by open enrollment for Affordable Care Act plans. The selection for both is large — often too large to be navigated easily alone. And people who choose incorrectly can end up with unaffordable medical bills. Meanwhile, those on both sides of the abortion issue are looking to Ohio’s November ballot measure on abortion to see whether anti-abortion forces can break their losing streak in statewide ballot questions since the overturn of Roe v. Wade in 2022.

Under Fire, Social Security Chief Vows ‘Top-to-Bottom’ Review of Payment Clawbacks

Acting Commissioner Kilolo Kijakazi was pressed by a House Ways and Means subcommittee to explain why so many poor, disabled, or retired people are suddenly hit with demands that can reach tens of thousands of dollars or more.