Kansas health statistics

According to recent data from medical records, Nebraska and Kansas have the highest rates of Parkinson’s disease diagnoses. Groups in Kansas are helping people with Parkinson’s slow the progression of the disease through activities including exercise and art classes.

“H5 bird flu is widespread in wild birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows with sporadic human cases in U.S. dairy and poultry workers,” according to CDC.

According to a report by the March of Dimes, scores in Kansas improved overall. But people of color still face the biggest disparities, like higher preterm birth rates and disproportionate infant deaths.

The last new Kansas measles cases were reported during the week of July 6. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 1,356 confirmed cases of measles as of last week.

Kansas lawmakers inserted language in the state budget that would restrict what food benefit recipients can buy. Critics say that defining what counts as unhealthy food and drinks is tricky, and the current ban has glaring loopholes.

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed Senate Bill 29, but the veto was overridden by the Republican-dominated House and Senate. It opens health officials to lawsuits over quarantine decisions and removed their authority to ban public gatherings.

Navigators help people enroll in Medicaid and insurance on the federal marketplace. Federal funding cuts by the Trump administration mean Kansas will have less navigators.

The Kansas Supreme Court heard a case this week that stems from a Leawood woman who sought a religious exemption from a COVID-19 vaccine requirement for an occupational therapy job.

At least 23 Kansans have tested positive for measles. Health officials urge full vaccination against the disease.

Black Kansans die at higher rates of seven of nine leading causes of death than all other Kansans. Advocates say now is an important time to focus on these disparities.