Health News Highlights: Emergencies, Therapies, and Approvals

Current health news includes the declaration of a public health emergency in Georgia due to Hurricane Helene, the slow uptake of gene therapy for sickle cell disease, Missouri health workers showing symptoms after contact with a bird flu patient, FDA approval of a diagnostic drug for heart disease, and Marburg virus deaths in Rwanda.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared a public health emergency in Georgia to address the impacts of Hurricane Helene, with additional resources to be deployed to support local efforts.

Gene therapy for sickle cell disease has yet to gain widespread acceptance among patients, despite its potential for long-term relief, as exemplified by 20-year-old student Zoe Davis.

Four more healthcare workers in Missouri displayed mild respiratory symptoms after contact with a bird flu patient, increasing concern among health officials about virus transmission.

The FDA has approved GE HealthCare's diagnostic drug, Flyrcado, for detecting coronary artery disease; the drug will be available in select U.S. markets starting in early 2025.

Rwanda confirmed six deaths and 20 cases of Marburg virus, predominantly affecting healthcare workers in intensive care, according to Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana.

(With inputs from agencies.)