United Health has disclosed that the ransomware attack on its unit, Change Healthcare, impacted approximately 190 million Americans, almost double the initial estimates. The breach, attributed to the ALPHV ransomware gang, is considered the largest in U.S. medical data history, leading to substantial outages in the healthcare system. Stolen data included sensitive information like names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and health records. Despite no reported misuse, the breach underscores the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures.

Drugmakers increased prices for 575 medications in early January, including drugs for diabetes, HIV, and cancer. While past annual price hikes averaged 10%, this year's median increase is 4%, the lowest in over a decade. Despite prices rising above inflation, some drugs saw decreases. Companies attribute price hikes to factors like changes in healthcare systems. Consumers may pay more or less depending on insurance coverage and negotiations. Overall, the complex drug pricing landscape continues to impact healthcare costs and access.

Health officials in Louisiana reported the first US death from severe bird flu in a patient who had contact with birds. While most cases result in mild symptoms, the recent death highlights the potential danger of avian influenza. Experts warn of the virus's increasing presence in the environment and its potential impact on human health. The US is experiencing an H5N1 outbreak, primarily affecting birds, with concerns about more severe cases emerging. Factors contributing to severe illness include underlying health conditions and specific virus subtypes. Vigilance and preventive measures are advised to reduce the risk of bird flu transmission.