Health Highlights: Oct. 5, 2020

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Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay:

Three Scientists Share Nobel Prize for Hepatitis C Research

Two U.S. researchers and a British scientist have been awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine for major contributions to the fight against blood-borne hepatitis.

Hepatitis C, which causes cirrhosis and liver cancer, causes 400,000 deaths worldwide each year, the Washington Post reported.

The three recipients are: Harvey Alter, a clinical scientist at a U.S. National Institutes of Health blood bank; Charles Rice, of the Washington University in St. Louis; and British-born virologist Michael Houghton.

The researchers’ work was described by the Nobel Committee as “a landmark achievement in our battle against viral infections,” the Post reported.

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Daily COVID-19 Cases in U.S. Highest in Months

The highest daily rate of new COVID-19 cases in the United States in nearly two months was reported late last week.

There were 54,506 new reported cases on Friday, according to Johns Hopkins University, the highest single-day number since 64,601 cases were reported on Aug. 14, according to CNN.

From Sept. 29 to Oct. 3, the United States had an average of 46,500 cases per day — the most cases over five days since Aug. 14-18, the data show.

As of Saturday night, 21 states had more cases than in the previous week, just over half held steady, and there was a decline in just three states — Texas, Missouri and South Carolina, CNN reported.

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Coronavirus-Linked Syndrome Seen in Children Also Occurs in Adults

Adults can develop a coronavirus-linked syndrome that’s similar to one seen in children, researchers report.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults (MIS-A) has killed at least three patients and disproportionately affects racial and ethnic minorities, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention team, CNN reported.

Like multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), MIS-A isn’t obviously linked to the new coronavirus and patients may not show any other symptoms suggesting coronavirus infection, the researchers said.

MIS-C — which has affected several hundred children worldwide — causes general inflammation. With proper treatment, children recover, CNN reported.

The CDC researchers’ case study describes 27 adults, aged 21 to 50, with MIS-A.

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NYC Wants to Reinstate Restrictions to Fight Coronavirus

New York City’s mayor wants to close schools and reinstate restrictions on nonessential businesses in several neighborhoods to combat a spike in new coronavirus cases.

If the state gives permission, Mayor Bill de Blasio said shutdowns would begin on Wednesday in nine ZIP codes in the city, and about 100 public schools and 200 private schools would have to close, CBS News reported.

Indoor dining — which only resumed a few days ago — and outdoor restaurant dining would also shut down in the affected neighborhoods, and gyms would close.

The mayor said that places of worship would be allowed to remain open with existing restrictions, CBS News reported.

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