Health News

(NEW YORK) -- A new drug appeared to show promise in reducing rates of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) symptoms in former and current smokers, according to results from late-stage clinical trials.The medication, called tozorakimab and developed by AstraZeneca, is the first biologic drug to show efficacy in treating COPD symptoms, according to Dr. Frank Sciurba, professor of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, in an AstraZeneca press […]

(WASHINGTON) -- The Trump administration is ending a key health insurance subsidy program that aimed to keep premiums for seniors' prescription drug plans in check, claiming that it benefits corporate insurance companies, according to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz.Medicare Part D -- the government health insurance program's prescription drug benefit -- is used by tens of millions of older or disabled beneficiaries.The program's subsidies are set to expire […]

(WASHINGTON) -- Cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by a parasite, have topped 18,000 in 45 states, according to updated data Wednesday from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Since May 1, at least 6,707 cases have been laboratory-confirmed, including 423 hospitalizations, the CDC noted.Additionally, the agency said it is "aware" of more than 11,500 additional cases that are not laboratory confirmed or require further investigation and analysis. Many of these additional cases have been reported by […]

(NEW YORK) -- Everything Sprouts, the company linked to a salmonella and E. coli outbreak from alfalfa sprouts, has voluntarily expanded its recall to include radish sprout mix due to contamination concerns.The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shared in an update on Monday that the radish sprout mix had the potential for "cross-contamination" with bacteria from the alfalfa sprouts.No illnesses have been traced back to the radish mix, and no new illnesses […]

Microscopic 3D render of Naegleria fowleri flagellate stage with twin flagella swimming in aquatic environment. (Stock photo koto_feja/Getty Images) (NEW YORK) -- A North Carolina teenager has died after contracting a rare brain-eating amoeba called Naegleria fowleri that's found in warm freshwater, state health officials said.The teenager, whose identity was not released, died on Monday, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services said on Tuesday.“We extend our condolences to the […]

FDA sign at its headquarters in Washington, D.C.  (Getty Images stock photo/JHVEPhoto) (WASHINGTON) -- The Food and Drug Administration approved on Wednesday a drug that could extend the survival of those with metastatic pancreatic cancer.The drug, called daraxonrasib, will be sold under the brand name Rasonque. The daily pill targets multiple forms of a protein called RAS, which is a main driver of tumor growth.This is a developing story. Please […]

Measles, Mumps, Rubella vaccine (Getty stock photo/Kittisak Kaewchalun) (NEW YORK) — Two people have died in Pennsylvania from measles, the state health department said Tuesday. Both were unvaccinated.These the first deaths related to measles within the state in 35 years, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and the first deaths reported this year in the U.S."My deepest sympathies are with the loved ones who are facing this unimaginable loss," […]

(WASHINGTON) -- Federal health officials have been investigating five different clusters of cyclosporiasis cases since the start of parasite season in May, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said during a press conference on Monday.Three of those clusters are considered over, acting FDA Commissioner Kyle Diamantas said. Meanwhile, the largest cluster, linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in five states, has seen cases as recently as last week.The […]

(NEW YORK) -- Hospitalizations in Michigan linked to an outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by a parasite, have surpassed 100, health officials said Friday.So far, 102 people have been hospitalized, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). There are more than 5,000 cases in the state, an increase of nearly 700 since Thursday, officials said.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug […]