What’s Checkup Denver? You’re reading an installment of our bi-weekly health newsletter. .
Good morning, Colorado!
Jessica has been away from work for the past week, so you’re hearing from a different voice this week. My name is Tynin Fries and I’m a Digital Strategist at the Post. I work closely with Jessica, mostly behind-the-scenes, on delivering this newsletter to your inbox.
Before we jump into the latest health news, I’d like to ask you all to we first sent out on Thursday. We want to hear from all of you about what you like, don’t like and wish we did better in this newsletter so we can improve. .
6 cases of vaping-related illness now reported in Colorado, with 4 people hospitalized
The number of people in Colorado with a severe vaping-related illness has increased to six. The outbreak report shows that the lung illness is affecting mostly young Coloradans who reported vaping either marijuana, nicotine or both.
“Our advice has not changed: We want people to quit vaping until we have a clear understanding of what is causing this illness.” — Dr. Daniel Shodell, deputy director of disease control
Meanwhile, the Colorado marijuana industry is pushing for more regulation of vaping devices. Industry stakeholders and the state’s Marijuana Enforcement Division are considering a ban on certain vaping additives that could go into effect as soon as January 1.
Health must-reads
- Colorado AG sets sights on the Sackler family after rejecting opioid settlement with embattled Purdue Pharma.
- Colorado is one of seven states that do not restrict abortion at any stage of a pregnancy. But backers of a proposed ballot initiative banning late-term abortions in Colorado received clearance from state election officials to start collecting signatures.
- The rate of uninsured people holds steady in Colorado, but more struggle to pay medical bills, a survey found.
- Which was worse: This Colorado man’s bachelor party hangover or the hangover from his ER bill?
- The latest from our investigation on youth suicide: In an effort to hear from teenagers who are impacted by mental health, the Post is holding a teen essay contest. Send this to the teenagers in your life.
Colorado health officials report first death in statewide hepatitis A outbreak
Two months after Denver health officials announced Denver was facing a hepatitis A outbreak, a resident has died from the contagious liver infection.
Hepatitis A is transmitted by a person consuming the virus through contaminated objects, food or drinks. Those at risk of getting hepatitis A through the outbreak include people experiencing homelessness and those with substance-use issues, as well as individuals who are incarcerated, Jessica previously reported.
Following the death, the Boulder County Jail announced an inmate had tested positive hepatitis A.
Here’s what I’m reading
- Health insurance costs hit a record high, surpassing $20,000 annually for the average U.S. family. — Bloomberg
- Doctors trained to spot child abuse . — Houston Chronicle
- How one Florida psychiatric hospital — Tampa Bay Times
- , reflecting the level of desperation among families staunchly opposed to vaccinating their children. — Politico
- Millions of on the internet. Now, anyone can take a peek. — ProPublica
