Reuters Health News Summary

08/09/2016 16:57

Following is a summary of current health news briefs.

Texas infant's death linked to travel-related Zika infection

The death of an infant born with the birth defect microcephaly in the Houston area has been linked to the Zika virus, with the baby becoming infected in the womb while the mother traveled to Latin America, Texas health officials said on Tuesday. The Texas Department of State Health Services said the infant died in Harris County shortly after birth and had microcephaly, a birth defect marked by small head size that can lead to severe developmental problems in babies. U.S. health officials have concluded that Zika infections in pregnant women can cause microcephaly.

Thousands of women took Sanofi epilepsy drug despite risk to fetuses: media

More than 10,000 pregnant women in France took Sanofi's anti-epilepsy drug Depakine between 2007 and 2014 although the risk of fetus malformation was known, according to a study quoted by French satirical weekly Le Canard Enchaine. The weekly reported that the French health ministry had delayed publication of the study, which the ministry denied.

Future of drug pricing: paying for benefits not per pill

Global pressure on health spending is forcing the $1 trillion-a-year pharmaceutical industry to look for new ways to price its products: charging based on how much they improve patients' health, rather than how many pills or vials are sold. In the United States, both parties are promising fresh action on drug prices whoever wins the White House. In Europe, economies are stalled, squeezing state health budgets. And in China and other Asian markets, governments are getting tougher with suppliers.

Michael Phelps' purple blotches spotlight 'cupping' trend

It wasn't just Michael Phelps' big win on Sunday that had people talking about the U.S. swimming star. It was also the dark purple circles on his shoulders. Phelps, who won the 19th Olympic gold medal of his career on Sunday and helped the U.S. men's team to victory in the 4x100 meters freestyle relay, is one of a number of Olympic athletes practicing "cupping," an ancient Chinese healing practice.

Sailing: Athletes fed up with Rio water-quality complaints

Despite reports of dangerous levels of pollution in Rio's Guanabara Bay and concerns that floating garbage could damage or slow competitors' boats, sailors at the 2016 Olympics are showing little or no fear of getting into the water. After the first day of racing in the Olympic Regatta on Monday athletes drenched and dripping after hours of racing scoffed at questions about their safety and risks to their health from studies showing high levels of bacteria and viruses.

Toxic chemicals in drinking water for six million Americans

Drinking water supplies for more than six million Americans contain unsafe levels of industrial chemicals that have been linked to cancer and other serious health problems, a U.S. study suggests. The chemicals - known as PFASs (for polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances) - are used in products ranging from food wrappers to clothing to nonstick cookware to fire-fighting foams. They have been linked with an increased risk of kidney and testicular cancers, hormone disruption, high cholesterol, and obesity.

Why some kids need hearing tests with ear tube surgery

(Reuters Health) - Children with hearing loss who get ear tube surgery to address chronic ear infections may need tests before and after the procedure to see if their hearing improves, a U.S. study suggests. When kids get an infection, fluid can build up in the middle ear, making it difficult for them to hear and potentially impairing speech and language development, said lead study author Dr. Kenneth R. Whittemore Jr., a researcher at Boston Children's Hospital.

Cayman Islands reports first locally transmitted Zika case: government

The first locally contracted case of the Zika virus has been confirmed in the Cayman Islands, the Caribbean nation's health department said. The patient, a man, reported the first symptoms in late July and a sample was sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency for testing. He had not traveled to any countries in which Zika is present, the department said in a statement late on Monday.

Clinton urges Congress to reconvene, pass Zika bill

U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton said at a campaign stop in Miami on Tuesday that she thinks congressional leaders should hold a special session to pass a funding bill to combat the Zika virus. "I am very disappointed that the Congress went on recess before actually agreeing what they would do to put the resources into this fight," Clinton said after touring a community health center. "I would very much urge the leadership of Congress to call people back for a special session and get a bill passed."

Florida says four new locally transmitted Zika cases, Congress must act on funds

Florida has four new cases of people likely infected with Zika through mosquito bites in Miami, Governor Rick Scott said on Tuesday, as he urged Congress to reconvene and approve additional money to combat the virus. The additional cases are all in a one-square mile area in Miami-Dade County that includes Miami's Wynwood district, Scott said, bringing the total of locally transmitted cases in the state to 21.

08/09/2016 16:57