Health

Health
Hopeful downticks in Minnesota’s COVID-19, RSV and flu data
In the Twin Cities seven-county metro, new hospital admissions for COVID-19, flu and RSV are down by 12 percent, 33 percent and 28 percent, respectively, for the first week in January compared to the last week in December. COVID hospital admissions ticked down during the first week in January after climbing for the nine previous weeks.
New gene-editing tools may help wipe out mosquito-borne diseases
Scientists say gene-editing technology may eradicate a mosquito in the U.S. that spreads dengue and other diseases. Concerns remain about the possible environmental impact of bioengineered mosquitoes.
Better wellness visits, healthier kids: Minnesota pediatricians try a new approach
Some pediatricians in the Twin Cities and St. Cloud are experimenting with a program they say is improving basic kid wellness visits and may lead to better outcomes for some of the youngest, neediest Minnesotans. The state’s looking at how it might help the program grow.
JN.1 takes over as the most prevalent COVID-19 variant. Here's what you need to know
The CDC estimates that up to 86 percent of new COVID-19 cases stem from the latest mutation. The virus continues to evolve so rapidly that "our immune systems have not been able to keep up," an expert says.
Minnesota auditor finds missteps in cannabis boss hire but won’t launch further probe
Minnesota’s legislative auditor concludes that background steps were missed when Gov. Tim Walz picked his first Office of Cannabis Management leader, which ended with a quick resignation.
The colonoscopies were free but the 'surgical trays' came with $600 price tags
Health providers may bill however they choose, including in ways that could leave patients with unexpected bills for "free" care. Preventive care left an Illinois couple with "surgical tray" charges.
Brooklyn Park initiative offers alternative to police response to mental health crisis calls
The Brooklyn Park Police Department partnered with Hennepin County and North Memorial Health to launch a mental health Alternative Response Team which consists of a social worker and a paramedic who can handle calls police officers may not need to respond to.