Health Highlights: Sept. 16, 2019

No New U.S. Measles Cases Last WeekNew York State to Ban Flavored E-Cigarettes

Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay:

No New U.S. Measles Cases Last Week

The measles outbreak that have spread throughout the United States may be winding down as no new cases were reported last week, health officials said Monday.

This, the worst measles epidemic in 27 years, saw the majority of cases in the New York's Orthodox Jewish communities, the Associated Press reported.

The disease was carried to the U.S. by travelers infected abroad and because measles is highly contagious it spread rapidly to those who weren't vaccinated.

Between spring and summer more than 1,200 cases were reported, according to the AP.

Measles outbreaks are usually said to be over after 42 days without a new infection.

-----

New York State to Ban Flavored E-Cigarettes

Using his executive powers, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has ordered a ban on most flavored e-cigarettes in the state.

Noting that flavored e-cigarettes are addictive to young people, all flavors, except menthol, will be taken off the market, CNN reported.

At a press briefing Sunday, Cuomo said that flavored e-cigarettes account for 68% of those sold in New York.

The exception for menthol was made because it might help people who smoke menthol cigarettes quit, Cuomo said. He did not rule out that menthols might be added to the ban later on, however.

Citing what he called the federal government's inaction, Cuomo said that he also plans to ask for a law barring marketing of e-cigarettes to kids and teens, CNN reported.

"I'm not waiting for the federal government to come protect the people of the state of New York. I've been disappointed time and time and time again," he said. "So, our destiny is in our own hands, and we're taking action."

-----

Related Stories

No stories found.
logo
www.healthday.com