Doc Paralyzed After COVID; Legionella at Medicare HQ; Mystery Grand Canyon Illness

— Health news and commentary gathered by staff

MedicalToday
Morning Break over illustration of a syringe, Covid virus, and DNA helix over a photo of green vegetation.

Note that some links may require registration or subscription.

William Dugal, MD, a 32-year-old doctor from North Carolina, said he was left totally paralyzed with Guillain-Barre syndrome days ; he's working again after a year of rehabilitation. (Today)

About a third of employer-based health insurance plans in the U.S. cover new weight-loss drugs, from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, a sharp rise since last year.

The headquarters of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services had to close after Legionella, the , was discovered in the water supply. (Washington Post)

The Senate on Thursday to protect access to in vitro fertilization. (Roll Call)

Further spread of bird flu among dairy herds will increase the , U.S. officials said. (Reuters)

Meanwhile, global health leader Seth Berkley, MD, to the bird flu outbreak in dairy cattle. (STAT)

The emergency department at a Chicago hospital had to turn away patients inside. (CBS News)

Firearms in 25% to 41% of U.S. homes with both children and a loaded firearm, survey data showed. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report)

Residents of Bainbridge, Georgia are to build a massive monkey-breeding facility that could eventually house 30,000 long-tailed macaques destined for medical research. (NBC News)

Despite the health risks, hair relaxers continue to be . (New York Times)

Screening for could catch cases of the serious condition sooner, a study showed. (JAMA Network Open)

The FDA clarified that of the JN.1 strain that it would like to see vaccine makers target in their updated COVID vaccines for the 2024-2025 season.

The agency also granted for treating solid tumors that harbor NTRK gene fusions in patients 12 years and older.

And FDA for patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, LEO Pharma said.

In Arizona, dozens of tourists became ill during trips to a site . (AP)

The practice of anatomy has a . (WBUR)

Could the Paris Olympics become a ? (CNN)