Diminished hospital capacity; RSV, flu and COVID rise
The latest data show the big three respiratory illnesses – Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 — on the rise in Minnesota this week. Bed space in the state’s hospitals is in short supply. Only 36 pediatric beds and another 10 pediatric intensive care beds were available in the entire state on December […]
The U.S. is unprepared for the growing threat of mosquito- and tick-borne viruses
Mosquitoes can carry viruses including dengue, malaria, chikungunya and Zika. They are a growing public health threat abroad and in the United States. Rick Bowmer/AP In the 1970s and ’80s, Aedes albopictus mosquitoes came to the U.S. through the used tire trade. These stowaway insects, also known as Asian tiger mosquitoes, can carry viruses like […]
Icier Minnesota winters mean more slips, slides and falls
Have you been slipping and sliding on the ice over the last few days? Well, you can expect more of that slippery stuff underfoot. The climate crisis means Minnesota winters are getting icier. Average winter temperatures have risen more than five degrees since the 1970s, and that means snow on the ground is more likely […]
Texas woman who sued state for abortion travels out of state for procedure instead
Kate Cox is about 21 weeks pregnant and her fetus has a condition that is almost always fatal. She is also having problems with her own health that has sent her to the emergency room multiple times. Cox family Kate Cox, a 31-year-old woman from the Dallas area facing pregnancy complications who had sued the […]
Holiday season helps COVID-19 spread, older Minnesotans feeling increase in cases
The amount of COVID-19 detected in the state’s wastewater is up nearly 45 percent since Thanksgiving. Susan Kline is an infectious disease doctor with University of Minnesota and M Health Fairview. She says older Minnesotans are feeling the increase most. “The 85 and older group is the most heavily affected right now. Probably at rates […]
Worried your kid might have appendicitis? Try the jump test
This child does not have appendicitis. But if you suspect yours might, ask them to jump. If they can’t without major pain, it’s time to call the doctor and maybe head to the hospital. Kentaroo Tryman via Getty Images | Maskot Updated: 1:03 p.m. My 5-year-old was complaining of stomach pain, and I was worried […]
Supreme Courts in 3 states will hear cases about abortion access this week
Protesters marched in Phoenix, Ariz., when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade in 2022. This week, the state Supreme Court will determine which of two abortion bans will be enforced in Ariz. Ross D. Franklin/AP The future of reproductive rights for a wide swath of the Mountain West may be decided next week, […]
Deaths linked tainted cantaloupe increase to 3 in U.S., 5 in Canada
A salmonella outbreak tied to tainted cantaloupe has now killed eight people — three in the U.S. and five in Canada, health officials reported Thursday. Dozens more illnesses were reported by both countries. In the U.S., at least 230 people have been ill in 38 states and 96 have been hospitalized since mid-November, according to […]
FDA approves first gene-editing treatment for human illness
“I’m ecstatic. It’s a blessing that they approved this therapy,” said Victoria Gray, the first person in the U.S. to undergo CRISPR gene-editing for sickle cell, of the Food and Drug Administration’s decision. Orlando Gili In a landmark decision, the Food and Drug Administration Friday approved the first gene-editing treatment to alleviate human illness. The […]
DOJ alleges city of Anoka discriminated against tenants with mental health disabilities
An investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) finds the city of Anoka’s crime-free multi housing program violated the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Fair Housing Act by discriminating against tenants with mental health disabilities. In a 10-page letter to the city, the DOJ alleges the city discouraged tenants struggling with mental illness […]