Republican vs Democrat Excess Deaths; New MERS Case; Watch Out for Rocks in Cookies

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Excess mortality was significantly higher for Republican voters than Democratic voters after COVID-19 vaccines were available to all adults in Ohio and Florida, but not before. (JAMA Internal Medicine)

The WHO said the United Arab Emirates alerted it to a case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in a 28-year-old male who had no history of contact with dromedaries, goats or sheep. To date, no secondary cases have been detected.

The Joint Commission revealed a second tranche of its planned accreditation standards reduction — primarily for non-hospital programs — which are set to take effect in August. (Fierce Healthcare)

The Biden administration announced a proposal to push insurers to improve access to mental health treatment. (Reuters)

In 2021, 9.0% of U.S. adults had repetitive strain injuries in the past 3 months, according to the CDC.

Is it possible to add 24 years to people’s lives with these eight habits? (CNN)

These two big employers have dumped Wegovy from their health plans. (Insider)

Could a morning-after pill to prevent sexually transmitted diseases actually make the problem worse? (Washington Post)

Medical technology firm Becton, Dickinson and Company said it’s updated BD Alaris Infusion System received 510(k) clearance from the FDA, which enabled both remediation and a return to full commercial operations for the system.

It’s really hot outside when doctors have to treat patients burned by falling on the ground. (CNN)

And soaring heat along with air pollution may double one’s risk of heart attack death, according to a study published in Circulation.

The FDA sent a warning letter to Centaur Pharmaceuticals over production shortfalls found during an inspection of the company’s drug ingredients plant.

The AMA’s new president spoke about AI in healthcare and the future of telemedicine. (STAT)

Is it possible that the next pandemic starts at the county fair? (New York Times)

The differences between hearing devices can be subtle. Here’s how to help decipher them. (Washington Post)

Is the making of “quartz” countertops contributing to lung damage? (NPR)

Hospital gardens provided this respite. (STAT)

Watch out for rocks in these cookies. (NBC News)