What We’re Reading: Cyberattack Payouts; Measles Vaccination for Young Travelers; Medication Abortions Surge

UnitedHealth Group Pays Out Over $2 Billion to Health Providers Affected by Cyberattack

UnitedHealth Group announced it has disbursed over $2 billion to support health care providers impacted by the cyberattack on its subsidiary, Change Healthcare, according to CNBC. The attack, which disrupted vital services including e-prescription software and payment management tools, prompted UnitedHealth to implement temporary funding assistance programs and restore critical infrastructure. As investigations into the cyberattack's extent unfold, UnitedHealth has emphasized its collaboration with law enforcement and cybersecurity experts to assess the breach and safeguard against future threats.

CDC Urges Measles Vaccination for Young Travelers Amid Rising Cases

The CDC issued an alert urging health providers to ensure that children as young as 6 months old receive the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine before traveling internationally, amidst a surge in measles cases both domestically and globally, according to CIDRAP. With 58 cases reported in the US so far this year, equaling the total for all of 2023, most cases were linked to international travel, particularly affecting unvaccinated children. Declining vaccination coverage in US kindergarteners has raised concerns about herd immunity, prompting health officials to emphasize the importance of vaccination to prevent outbreaks.

Medication Abortions Surge in the US Following Roe v Wade Reversal

A notable rise in medication abortions in the US were identified post the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v Wade, according to NBC News. In 2023, there were approximately 642,700 medication abortions, constituting 63% of all abortions in the country, up from 492,210 in 2020. The surge in medication abortions follows legal changes in response to the Dobbs v Jackson ruling, with 14 states implementing complete abortion bans. Despite potential restrictions on medication abortion, the procedure has remained popular due to its privacy and accessibility benefits.