Ebola, ACA, alcohol while pregnant, autism: Morning Rounds
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Now, let’s dive into some of the latest updates in the world of health and medicine:
### The latest on Ebola: A travel ban and an old vaccine
The Trump administration has implemented a travel ban preventing foreign travelers who have recently been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan from entering the U.S. This is the first time the U.S. has imposed such a ban in response to an Ebola outbreak. The ban, effective for 30 days, aims to contain the spread of the virus. For more details on this development, check out the in-depth coverage by STAT’s Annalisa Merelli and Helen Branswell.
Experts are exploring various strategies to combat the Ebola outbreak, which has now become the fourth largest on record. There is a discussion about using an existing vaccine for a different species of Ebola to help contain the current outbreak. However, the decision on whether to utilize the vaccine will ultimately rest with the affected countries. Learn more about this potential approach in Helen’s latest report.
At the World Health Assembly in Geneva, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the escalating concerns surrounding the Ebola outbreak, with over 500 suspected cases and 130 suspected deaths. The situation is exacerbated by the conflict in the region, leading to over 100,000 people being newly displaced. Tedros emphasized the need for an international response to address such global health threats.
### Supreme Court rejects challenge on price negotiation
The Supreme Court recently declined to hear lawsuits challenging the Medicare drug price negotiation program. This decision deals a significant blow to the industry’s legal efforts against the program. While the justices did not provide a specific reason for their decision, it marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over drug pricing. For a comprehensive overview of this development, refer to STAT’s coverage by John Wilkerson.
### $1,000
Recent data shows that the average deductible for Affordable Care Act Marketplace plans increased by about 37% from 2025 to 2026. This rise in deductibles, coupled with the expiration of enhanced tax credits established during the pandemic, has led to shifts in plan preferences among consumers. As a result, more individuals are opting for plans with lower monthly premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs. The changing landscape of Marketplace enrollment underscores the impact of evolving healthcare policies on consumer choices.
### Drinking while pregnant more common than believed
Despite public health advisories warning against alcohol consumption during pregnancy, rates of alcohol use among pregnant individuals have been on the rise in recent years. A new analysis reveals that more than 1 in 8 pregnant adults reported drinking in the last month by 2024. This trend raises concerns about the potential risks associated with prenatal alcohol exposure and underscores the need for continued education and support for expectant mothers. For detailed insights into this issue, explore STAT’s analysis by Isabella Cueto.
### More kids with autism are getting leucovorin
A notable increase in leucovorin prescriptions among children with autism has been observed since last spring, following endorsements of the drug as a potential treatment for autism. Despite limited evidence on its efficacy and safety, the popularity of leucovorin among children with autism has surged, prompting discussions on the appropriateness of its use in this population. Stay informed on this evolving trend by referring to the latest study published in JAMA Network Open.
### Haunted by a ‘ghost approval’
Heart transplant recipient Payton Herres shares her challenges navigating the complexities of health insurance coverage in a poignant First Opinion essay. Despite technically having coverage for essential medications, she often finds herself in a frustrating situation where access to necessary treatments is hindered by administrative hurdles or lack of FDA approval. Herres’ experience sheds light on the gaps in healthcare access and the real-world implications of coverage limitations.
### What we’re reading
– An HIV-free generation is closer than you think (Vox)
– What I can’t forget about the babies who died of Vitamin K deficiency (ProPublica)
– Colorado Supreme Court sides with transgender youth in fight against Children’s Hospital Colorado (Colorado Sun)
– Abortion bans are restricting miscarriage care, new study finds (19th News)
– Opinion: Britain embraces a Massachusetts experiment on tobacco regulation — just as the state might roll it back (STAT)
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