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Good morning. Earlier this week, STAT’s Anil Oza visited our usual sandwich shop for lunch, and the staff inquired about his absent friend—me! I had brought my own lunch, but knowing I’m recognized there, I might reconsider next time.
FTC sues Hims & Hers
The Federal Trade Commission has filed a lawsuit against Hims & Hers, accusing the direct-to-consumer telehealth company of misleading consumers who buy clinical care and medications through its platform. This lawsuit mirrors earlier federal actions highlighting privacy protection issues in digital health and online care. In 2022, STAT’s Katie Palmer collaborated with the Markup to investigate the sharing of personal health data by telehealth companies using tracking pixels.
Hims responded online, stating, “This is not enforcement grounded in consumer protection. It is an effort to generate headlines at our expense.” Get more details and the necessary context from Katie.
6,707
The CDC has recorded 6,707 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis since May 1, according to their latest update. Additionally, there are at least 11,500 more reported cases awaiting confirmation and further analysis, with significant numbers in Michigan and Ohio.
The outbreak has led to decreased foot traffic at chains like Taco Bell, Chopt, and Chipotle, according to Reuters. However, Katelyn Jetelina from Your Local Epidemiologist offers hope, noting that since the outbreak is primarily linked to lettuce, it may soon end as the produce reaches the end of its shelf life. “It’s hard to see where we are in the outbreak, though, because data are imperfect,” she remarked.
Blaming ice cream sales for shark attacks
During a 2011 hearing on Long Island, a Dutch researcher presented an analogy to local policymakers considering a ban on energy drink sales to minors. He argued that while alcohol and energy drinks are often consumed together, drinks like Red Bull are not responsible for binge drinking or alcohol-related injuries, much like ice cream sales aren’t responsible for shark attacks. This researcher, Joris Verster of Utrecht University, had a conflict of interest as he received payments from Red Bull. An investigation led by The Examination, co-published by STAT, revealed that Red Bull has funded research by university professors to produce results favorable to the energy drink industry. Read more on how this research has influenced defeats of public health initiatives like age restrictions and warning labels in the U.S. and Canada.
In Nebraska, confusion re: Medicaid work rules begins
STAT reporters have extensively covered the upcoming work requirements for Medicaid enrollment, set to take effect in 2027 for most of the U.S. However, in Nebraska, these rules—requiring proof of work, volunteering, or school attendance for at least 80 hours per month—will start next week. Exemptions exist for individuals with young children and those deemed “medically frail.”
The “medical frailty” category presents significant challenges. Exemption isn’t automatic based on diagnosis; individuals must demonstrate their condition hinders their ability to work. Crystal Schroer, a concerned Nebraskan, highlights the difficulty in finding jobs that accommodate disease management. Read more from STAT’s Isabella Cueto on the confusion and fear surrounding these requirements.
Ebola outbreak nears milestone, while a vaccine remains months away
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is on the brink of becoming the second largest recorded. As of July 27, the confirmed case count was 3,360. Remarkably, the Ituri outbreak has reached this scale just 2½ months after being identified. The current second-largest outbreak, spanning DRC’s North Kivu and Ituri provinces, totaled 3,470 cases over two years.
There is currently no licensed vaccine for the Bundibugyo Ebola strain, responsible for this outbreak. However, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations has committed $8.5 million to Singapore-based Hilleman Laboratories to develop a Bundibugyo vaccine. This vaccine will utilize the same platform as Merck’s Ebola Zaire vaccine and is expected to take about 6½ months to produce, with doses for clinical trials anticipated sooner. — Helen Branswell
Mycetoma, one of the world’s most neglected diseases
A decade ago, the World Health Organization added mycetoma to its list of neglected tropical diseases. Caused by bacteria or fungi, this disease enters the body through small skin openings, such as a thorn prick, and progressively destroys surrounding tissue and bone. It is prevalent in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
A new First Opinion essay highlights that despite some research progress, understanding of mycetoma remains fragile. “The next 10 years of mycetoma care will determine whether it remains a story of neglect or becomes one of collective action,” writes Borna Nyaoke-Anoke, who leads research on the disease. Read more about her insights.
What we’re reading
- NSF testing new Ph.D. model giving trainees academic and industry experience, STAT
- Rates of high blood pressure are rising in pregnant women, study finds, New York Times
- Fauci invokes Fifth Amendment in declining to answer questions before Senate panel, STAT
- Is this the end of the endless frontier? Time
- FDA expert panel recommends against approval of Capricor’s Duchenne drug, STAT
