The plague rarely affects humans, though the US sees about 7 cases a year. Here’s why

The plague rarely affects humans, though the US sees about 7 cases a year. Here’s why

Colorado health officials have confirmed a human case of the plague, the rare bacterial infection infamously known for killing tens of millions in 14th century Europe. Today, it’s easily treated with antibiotics. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there are seven human cases of plague per year in the U.S., and in February, … Read more

Relief in South Africa after J&J reversal allows key tuberculosis drug production at lower prices

Relief in South Africa after J&J reversal allows key tuberculosis drug production at lower prices

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — Medical advocacy groups have welcomed Johnson & Johnson’s decision not to enforce its patent on a critical tuberculosis medication, allowing its production at much lower prices, after South African authorities opened an investigation into the conglomerate. The South African Competition Commission in a statement on July 5 said it decided … Read more

FDA approves a second Alzheimer’s drug that can modestly slow disease

FDA approves a second Alzheimer’s drug that can modestly slow disease

WASHINGTON — U.S. officials have approved another Alzheimer’s drug that can modestly slow the disease, providing a new option for patients in the early stages of the incurable, memory-destroying ailment. The Food and Drug Administration approved Eli Lilly’s Kisunla on Tuesday for mild or early cases of dementia caused by Alzheimer’s. It’s only the second … Read more

Tesla soars, S&P closes above 5,500

Tesla soars, S&P closes above 5,500

This report is from today’s CNBC Daily Open, our international markets newsletter. CNBC Daily Open brings investors up to speed on everything they need to know, no matter where they are. Like what you see? You can subscribe here. Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange during morning trading on Oct. 4, … Read more

Tesla soars, S&P closes above 5,500

Tesla soars, S&P closes above 5,500

This report is from today’s CNBC Daily Open, our international markets newsletter. CNBC Daily Open brings investors up to speed on everything they need to know, no matter where they are. Like what you see? You can subscribe here. Traders work on the floor during morning trading at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on March … Read more

Street medicine teams search for homeless people to deliver lifesaving IV hydration in extreme heat

Street medicine teams search for homeless people to deliver lifesaving IV hydration in extreme heat

PHOENIX — Alfred Handley leaned back in his wheelchair alongside a major Phoenix freeway as a street medicine team helped him get rehydrated with an intravenous saline solution dripping from a bag hanging on a pole. Cars whooshed by under the blazing 96-degree morning sun as the 59-year-old homeless man with a nearly toothless smile … Read more

Most kids get antibiotics for pink eye, study shows. Experts say they’re usually not needed

Most kids get antibiotics for pink eye, study shows. Experts say they’re usually not needed

Doctors are prescribing antibiotics to most kids and teens who have pink eye, despite guidelines that discourage their use, researchers reported Thursday. More than two-thirds of U.S. children and teens who saw a doctor for pink eye left with a prescription for antibiotic eye drops, their research found. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that … Read more

Justice Department charges nearly 200 people in $2.7 billion health care fraud schemes crackdown

Justice Department charges nearly 200 people in .7 billion health care fraud schemes crackdown

WASHINGTON — Nearly 200 people have been charged in a sweeping nationwide crackdown on health care fraud schemes with false claims topping $2.7 billion, the Justice Department said on Thursday. Attorney General Merrick Garland announced the charges against doctors, nurse practitioners and others across the U.S. accused of a variety of scams, including a $900 … Read more

Arkansas sues 2 pharmacy benefit managers, accusing them of fueling opioid epidemic in state

Arkansas sues 2 pharmacy benefit managers, accusing them of fueling opioid epidemic in state

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas on Monday sued two pharmacy benefit managers that oversee coverage for insurers, employers and other large clients, accusing them of fueling the opioid crisis in the state. Attorney General Tim Griffin filed the lawsuit against Express Scripts Inc. and Optum Inc., and their subsidiaries, in state court. Pharmacy benefit managers … Read more

More African nations focus on HPV vaccination against cervical cancer, but hesitancy remains

More African nations focus on HPV vaccination against cervical cancer, but hesitancy remains

ABUJA, Nigeria — Yunusa Bawa spends a lot of time talking about the vaccine for the human papillomavirus that is responsible for nearly all cases of cervical cancer. But on most days, only two or three people allow their daughters to be vaccinated in the rural part of Nigeria where he works. The challenge in … Read more