1 Million COVID Deaths; Press Dinner Serves Up Infections; DEA Eyes Telehealth Firm

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According to data compiled by NBC News, the U.S. surpassed 1 million COVID -19 deaths on Wednesday.

Journalists from multiple news outlets are testing positive for COVID after attending the annual White House Correspondents Dinner. (CNN)

The gene-edited pig heart transplanted into a dying patient earlier this year was infected with a pig virus. (MIT Technology Review)

The FDA provided an update on nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid), noting there is no evidence of any benefit from a longer course of treatment or repeating a treatment course of Paxlovid in patients with recurrent COVID-19 symptoms.

Meanwhile, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said Paxlovid prescriptions have increased tenfold in the U.S. since February. (CNBC)

As of Thursday at 8 a.m. EDT, the unofficial U.S. COVID toll was 81,672,286 cases and 997,579 deaths, increases of 118,508 cases and 1,957 deaths versus this time yesterday.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken has tested positive for COVID-19 and is experiencing “mild symptoms.” (USA Today)

Passengers on a Carnival Cruise ship that docked in Seattle Tuesday said more than 100 persons on the ship tested positive for COVID-19, leaving staff “overwhelmed.” (AP)

Telehealth company Nurx reported a 300% spike in requests for emergency contraceptives following the leaked Supreme Court draft opinion which indicated the court may be ready to overturn Roe v. Wade. (Fox Business)

Beijing has closed 10% of its subway stations in an effort to stem the spread of COVID-19. (ABC News)

The telehealth company Cerebral will stop prescribing methylphenidate (Ritalin), amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall), and other controlled substances to new ADHD patients as reports surface that the DEA is investigating the company. (Fierce Healthcare)

The first test that can simultaneously detect four common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) — the Alinity m STI assay — won FDA clearance, device maker Abbott said.

Data firm SafeGraph is selling location data related to visits at clinics that provide abortions, including Planned Parenthood facilities. (VICE)

The Department of Justice announced that it has filed charges against 14 individuals, including 12 medical professionals, alleging involvement in crimes related to the illegal distribution of opioids.

A third case of Ebola has been confirmed in a city in northwest Democratic Republic of Congo. (Reuters)

More states are decriminalizing fentanyl testing strips in an effort to reduce overdoses. (CNN)