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As polio surfaces in other states, how vulnerable are Floridians?

As polio surfaces in other states, how vulnerable are Floridians?

For the first time since the U.S. declared polio officially eradicated in 1979, Floridians are concerned about their odds of getting the disease. Florida is beginning the groundwork to learn if polio is in the state after one person was diagnosed with paralytic polio in Rockland County, New York, and the disease was discovered in New York City’s wastewater. With this new concern, counties throughout the state are gearing up to test their wastewater and encourage more vaccination. More from the Tampa Bay Times and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Florida Trend Exclusive
UF researchers develop tool to predict complications during surgery

Every year, approximately 15 million Americans undergo some sort of surgery, and nearly one-third develop a complication. Each adverse event can add up to $11,000 in health care costs and exact a physical and emotional toll on the patient. But a promising AI tool being developed by researchers at the University of Florida could help doctors better forecast how patients will do before they even go under the knife. [Source: Florida Trend]

COVID BA.5 wave still receding across Florida more than a week into school year

For the second week in a row, all signs show the latest coronavirus surge shrinking across Florida, even as the school year starts and the least vaccinated age groups bunch together in classes. Sewage across Florida, which can predict COVID-19 trends faster than regular testing, showed falling concentrations of the virus this past week. Health officials reported fewer positive coronavirus test results, while hospitals are treating fewer infected patients. [Source: Palm Beach Post]

Clinics urge the Florida Supreme Court to put the state's new abortion restrictions on hold

Attorneys for abortion clinics and a doctor asked the Florida Supreme Court on Friday to put on hold a new law preventing abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. The attorneys filed documents contending that a ruling last month by the 1st District Court of Appeal allowing the law (HB 5) to be in effect has caused “irreparable harm.” Leon County Circuit Judge John Cooper last month issued a temporary injunction against the 15-week abortion limit, saying it violated a privacy right in the Florida Constitution. The state quickly appealed, which, under legal rules, placed an automatic stay on the temporary injunction. [Source: News Service of Florida]

Florida Trend Exclusive
Doctor provides mobile medical care to uninsured children

Laura Chilcutt has always felt a calling to work with vulnerable populations. As a lawyer, she spent years championing the rights of immigrants and human trafficking and domestic violence victims for the Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center (now Americans for Immigrant Justice) and later at her own practice. Making ends meet in that legal niche proved challenging, however, so Chilcutt forged a new career path. [Source: Florida Trend]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Florida detects this year's first human case of West Nile in Volusia County
The state’s first reported human case of West Nile this year has been confirmed in Volusia County, according to the Florida Department of Health. A person near Daytona Beach was infected with the virus, which is most often spread by a bite from the Culex mosquito. Health officials have heightened concerns that other people may become sick, as Lee County becomes the latest county to detect the virus.

› Florida's transgender treatment rule is in effect, but legal challenges are planned
A legal fight is looming over a state rule that took effect Sunday ending Medicaid reimbursements for transgender care such as puberty blockers, hormone therapy and gender-reassignment surgery. Attorneys representing individuals and groups plan to file a federal lawsuit challenging the rule, people involved in the anticipated case said in interviews this week.

› Moffitt Cancer Center will expand its patient services at a new location in south Hillsborough
Moffitt Cancer Center is purchasing nine acres in south Hillsborough County for a new ambulatory center. Moffitt has entered into a purchase and sale agreement for a parcel at the southeast intersection of East College Avenue and 27th Street South in Ruskin, less than a mile from Interstate 75. The purchase is expected to be final in November, and the final zoning approval is expected by the end of the year.

› Florida's meningococcal disease outbreak is slowing, but health officials say it's still a threat
Health officials say Florida's meningococcal outbreak appears to be slowing, but they still urge caution against the deadly disease. The state has recorded 50 cases so far this year, according to Dr. Ulyee Choe, director of the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County and statewide medical director for county health systems. There were only 27 cases in all of last year.