Health News Roundup: EU fights 'urgent challenge' of African swine fever spread; Diabetes risk tied to common chemicals

Following is a summary of current health news briefs.

Moldova reports two more outbreaks of African swine fever: OIE

Moldova has reported two further outbreaks of African swine fever among backyard pigs, the Paris-based World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) said on Thursday. The cases were reported in Gotesti in the district of Cantemir near the border with Romania.

More evidence preemies may grow up to be unlucky in love

Adults who were underweight babies or early arrivals may be less likely to have romantic or sexual relations or become parents than their counterparts who were full-term infants, a research review suggests. Compared to adults who were full-term babies, those who were premature or low birthweight infants were 57% less likely to have sexual intercourse, 28% less likely to have romantic relationships and 23% less likely to become parents, the analysis of data on more than 4 million people found.

Dense breast notification laws not leading to more screening ultrasounds

State laws requiring women with dense breasts to be told about the benefits of further imaging after mammography may not lead more women to get extra screening, a U.S. study suggests. Roughly half of U.S. women in their 40s and 50s have dense breast tissue, which increases their risk of breast cancer and makes it harder to detect tumors with mammography. Several states require healthcare providers to send notification letters to women whose mammograms show dense breast tissue. Some states also require that these higher-risk women be advised to get screened with ultrasound or MRI.

Study shows Apple devices in combo with apps could identify dementia

Drugmaker Eli Lilly said on Thursday early results from a study suggest that Apple Inc devices, including the iPhone, in combination with digital apps could differentiate people with mild Alzheimer's disease dementia and those without symptoms. The study, tested in 113 participants over the age of 60, was conducted by Apple along with Eli Lilly and Evidation Health.

South Africa puts initial universal healthcare cost at $17 billion

South Africa published its draft National Health Insurance (NHI) bill on Thursday, with one senior official estimating universal healthcare for millions of poorer citizens would cost about 256 billion rand ($16.89 billion) to implement by 2022. The bill creating an NHI Fund paves the way for a comprehensive overhaul of South Africa's health system that would be one of the biggest policy changes since the ruling African National Congress ended white minority rule in 1994.

Patient in Sarepta gene therapy trial develops serious illness; shares plunge

Shares of Sarepta Therapeutics Inc plunged 12% after a notice from the U.S. health agency showed a patient in an ongoing study of the company's gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) was reported to have developed a serious illness. The incident, which occurred in February, involved a seven-year-old boy who developed rhabdomyolysis, a serious condition that can lead to complications such as kidney failure.

China finds African swine fever virus in pigs transported to Guangxi

China detected African swine fever in pigs being transported to Guangxi region from outside provinces, the agriculture ministry said on Thursday. The disease was found in 52 pigs in a truck in Fangchenggang city in the southern region, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said in a statement on its website. One pig had already succumbed to the disease, it added.

Diabetes risk tied to common chemicals, curbed by healthy habits

Chemicals in everything from food wrappers to clothing and furniture are associated with an increased risk of diabetes, but much of this added risk is reduced with good eating and exercise habits, a study suggests. Researchers tested blood samples from 957 diabetes-free people for chemicals known as PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances), which are used to make consumer products stain-resistant, water-repellant and nonstick. Participants were then randomly assigned to an intensive lifestyle modification program designed to help them lose 7% of their body weight, or to take a placebo pill and stick with their usual eating and exercise habits.

FDA tells four firms to stop selling flavored e-cigarette, hookah products

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has told four companies to remove 44 of their flavored e-liquid and hookah tobacco products that do not have the required approval for sale in the U.S., the agency said on Thursday. The move comes against the backdrop of the FDA's efforts to curb the usage of the addictive substances among young adults.

EU fights 'urgent challenge' of African swine fever spread

The European Union faces an urgent challenge in tackling an outbreak of African swine fever which threatens Bulgaria's pig breeding industry, a Commission spokeswoman said on Thursday. Ten EU nations are currently affected by African swine fever, with particularly bad outbreaks in Bulgaria and its neighbor Romania. Slovakia was affected by the disease in four backyard farms as of July.

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