Health

Lyme disease cases rose in 2022 due to change in reporting requirements

By Mike Stobbe, Associated Press

An estimated 476,000 Americans are diagnosed with it each year, but only a fraction are officially reported.

What is Alaskapox? Here’s a quick guide

By Mike Stobbe, Associated Press

Alaskapox was discovered in 2015 in a woman who lived near Fairbanks, Alaska.

More patients rely on early prenatal testing as states toughen abortion laws

By Laura Ungar, Amanda Seitz, Associated Press

Since Roe v. Wade was overturned, many health care providers say an increasing number of patients are deciding the fate of their pregnancies on whatever information they can gather before state abortion bans kick in.

Mental health emerges as a dividing line in abortion rights initiatives planned for state ballots

By Christine Fernando, Associated Press

“It’s heartbreaking to hear about these policies ignoring mental health,” said Harris, now 21. “An abortion can save someone’s life, including when they’re in a mental health emergency.”…

Syphilis in the U.S was once nearly eradicated. Here’s why it’s surging again

By Ali Rogin, Claire Mufson, Satvi Sunkara

The number of syphilis cases in the United States is the highest it’s been since the 1950s, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dr. Philip Chan, chief medical officer for Open Door Health and an associate professor…

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Flu hangs on in U.S., fading in some areas and intensifying in others

By Mike Stobbe, Associated Press

It shows a continued national decline in flu hospitalizations. But it also shows increases in other indicators — including the number of states with high or very high levels for respiratory illnesses.

Near-total abortion ban rejected by Virginia House panel

By Associated Press

The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that on a bipartisan 8-0 vote Wednesday night, a House subcommittee rejected a bill that would have prohibited abortions except in cases necessary to save the mother's life.

Missouri Senate votes against allowing abortion in cases of rape and incest

By Summer Ballentine, Associated Press

Some Republicans say blocking rape and incest victims from getting abortions was too extreme. One Republican is trying to amend the state constitution to allow abortions in cases of rape, incest and fatal fetal abnormalities until viability.

DEA reverses decision stripping drug distributor of licenses for fueling opioid crisis

By Joshua Goodman, Jim Mustian, Associated Press

As part of the settlement announced Wednesday, Morris & Dickson Co. agreed to admit wrongdoing, comply with heightened reporting requirements and surrender one of its two certificates of registration with the DEA.

Ohio backs off proposed restrictions on gender-affirming medical care for adults

By Geoff Mulvihill, Hannah Schoenbaum, Associated Press

Transgender people and their healthcare providers feared the original rules would have left thousands of patients scrambling to find care — and facing health risks in the meantime.