What We’re Reading: CDC Malaria Warning; NC Abortion Restrictions; Ascension Nurse Strike

CDC Issues Warning About Locally Acquired Malaria

The CDC has issued a warning to doctors and public health officials following a small number of locally acquired malaria cases in Florida and Texas, according to CNN. This is the first time in 20 years that malaria has been caught locally in the United States. While the risk of malaria remains low, the CDC advises doctors to be vigilant in recognizing symptoms and providing prompt treatment, especially in the affected regions.

Abortion Ban Revisions Approved by North Carolina Senate

Late revisions to North Carolina's abortion restrictions, scheduled to begin this weekend, have been approved by the state Senate, according to The Associated Press. The changes aim to ban most abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy, which would replace the current laws that ban abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy. The revisions will now proceed to a final House vote before reaching the desk of Democratic Governor Roy Cooper.

Ascension Nurse Strike Expected to Be Largest in Texas, Kansas History

This morning, around 2000 registered nurses at Ascension hospitals in Texas and Kansas are planning a 1-day strike to protest staffing issues and demand better working conditions, according to Fierce Healthcare. The strike, which is expected to be the largest among nurses in Texas and Kansas history, follows complaints that Ascension is understaffing its facilities. Ascension, a major Catholic health system, has stated that the hospitals will remain open and will use a staffing agency to ensure uninterrupted patient care during the strike.