epidemics - NewBostonPost

public health

Zika infection late in pregnancy didn’t produce defects in study

NEW YORK (AP) — Women infected with the Zika virus late in their pregnancies had babies with no apparent birth defects, according to a study in Colombia that seems to confirm that the greatest risk to infants comes early in pregnancy. But the study also found troubling cases of severe birth

opioids

Bay State steps up fight against drug abuse epidemic

BOSTON – Massachusetts is rising up against drug addiction after deaths due to heroin and painkiller dependency climbed 8 percent over the past year. Gov. Charlie Baker has made the issue a priority, as have many lawmakers from across the state. As a result, new laws will come into effect that

Massachusetts

Filmmaker explores drug addiction on Cape Cod

A young woman stares at the camera, speaking in a soft voice. "Every time I shot up, it felt like Christmas morning," she said. Another voice from the documentary sounds gruff yet forlorn: "I don't want to associate with anybody. I just want to be

Massachusetts

Opioid abuse measure removes major elements sought by Baker

BOSTON – Patients prescribed opioids for the first time would be limited to a seven-day supply and any individual admitted to an emergency room because of an apparent drug overdose would be required to undergo a substance-abuse evaluation within 24 hours, under a redrafted House bill made public Monday. The bill