U.S. Drops Virus-Hunting Program; Spicy Chip and Fatality; Lost Bladder Tumor

Note that some links may require registration or subscription.

The United States Agency for International Development quietly dropped a flagship project for hunting viruses among wildlife in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America to prevent human outbreaks, The BMJ reported.

The FDA could approve new COVID boosters as early as Friday of this week. (NBC News)

Meanwhile COVID-related hospitalizations have increased for the seventh week in a row. (U.S. News & World Report)

With the increase in hospitalizations, the big question is whether — and when — hospitals will bring back masking. (The Atlantic)

The death of a 14-year-old boy who ate a Paqui brand tortilla chip dusted with two of the world’s hottest peppers raised questions about the snack’s “one chip challenge.” (New York Times)

Health insurance costs are to take a big jump next year. (Wall Street Journal)

The Mexican Supreme Court struck down the federal government’s ban on abortion. (AP)

With abortion laws driving some obstetricians from conservative states, maternity care is suffering. (New York Times)

This summer was really hot. (AP)

The heat may increase the risk of death among persons with schizophrenia and other mental health issues. (Washington Post)

The CDC hopes its new “Wild to Mild” ad campaign will help alleviate skepticism about flu vaccines. (CNN)

President Biden tested negative again for COVID in advance of a scheduled trip to India. (The Hill)

A Seattle man is suing UW Medicine after a bladder tumor he had removed went missing. (Seattle Times)

Age-related macular degeneration is a major problem in Florida. (Tampa Bay Times)

A California judge halted a school district policy requiring parents to be notified if their children change their pronouns or gender identification at school. (ABC News)

Kourtney Kardashian successfully underwent “urgent fetal surgery.” (People)

A gun-toting, conservative physician defended abortion access in Appalachia. (STAT)

A nurse accused of stealing drugs and infecting a dozen patients with hepatitis C agreed to a plea deal. (KIRO 7)

Bruce Springsteen postponed eight shows this month to be treated for peptic ulcer disease. (NBC News)