Norovirus Triples; Cashing in on Death; Phlebotomist Arrested for Sexual Assault

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According to the CDC, cases of norovirus almost tripled during the 2021 to 2022 surveillance period as compared with 2020-2021.

As of Thursday, 4.4 million Americans had received Omicron-targeted COVID boosters. (AP)

TV personalities Stephen Colbert and Anderson Cooper shared personal experiences of coping with grief. (CNN)

Private-equity firms prepare to cash in on increased demand for end-of-life services as 73 million Baby Boomers grow older. (Kaiser Health News)

The FDA wants to make naloxone more accessible to harm-reduction organizations, and the AMA approves.

Citing a “patient safety” issue, the VA announced the first abortion performed in the healthcare system since an interim rule allowed abortion services under certain circumstances. (NBC News)

The World Health Organization said declining rates of COVID testing are making it more difficult to track new variants. (CNBC)

The rich, the famous, the beautiful, and the vain increasingly turn to the newest weight-loss wonder drug semaglutide (Ozempic). (Variety)

SARS-CoV-2 can infect fat tissue, creating an inflammatory storm cloud. (Science Translational Medicine)

When you turn to an app to check symptoms and various types of treatment, you might be sharing personal information with more than your phone. (Washington Post)

In an address to the United Nations, a representative of the island state of Micronesia expressed “gravest concern” over Japan’s plan to release water into the Pacific Ocean from the Fukushima nuclear power station, damaged by a devastating tsunami in 2011. (Reuters)

In another infrequent display of bipartisanship, the Senate has drafted legislation to improve access to mental health services and increase the mental health workforce. (Healthcare Dive)

Even if the heartbreak of losing a baby wanes, the cost does not. (NPR)

Using President Biden’s own words as justification, Senate Republicans may try to force a vote on ending the national emergency declaration on COVID-19 and the special executive powers that come with it. (Wall Street Journal)

Historically Black colleges and universities are using COVID relief funds to cancel student debt, improve infrastructure, and help retain students who are struggling with financial burdens. (NPR)

A county judge temporarily blocked Indiana’s abortion ban a week after it went into effect. (NPR)

A Southern California phlebotomist has been arrested in connection with allegations that he sexually assaulted women during blood draws. (Orange County Register)