Measles risks for adults; hospital grades for maternal health; a new benefit of the shingles vaccine — Morning Medical Update

Measles risks for adult patients

Measles has made headlines for reports of multiple cases in various states. It’s easily preventable through vaccination, but can pose risks for children’s health. And adult health too. Here’s a slideshow about dangers for adults and determining who and how to assess for MMR vaccination, by Patient Care, a sister publication of Medical Economics.

Grading maternal health

Maternal health has been an issue of concern across the nation due to issues and complications involving mother and infant. Adding to the national discourse is a new report from The Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit watchdog organization that grades hospitals on patient safety factors. Here is one of the organization’s latest reports on trends involving C-sections and evidence-based maternity care services such as lactation consultants and allowing doulas in labor and delivery.

Shingles vaccine and dementia

The shingles vaccine works against shingles. It may also lower older adults’ chances of a new dementia diagnosis by up to one-fifth over a seven-year follow-up period. The findings come from a new study in a massive testing ground: Wales, where researchers compared health records of patients born before and after Sept. 2, 1933, the date of eligibility to receive a shingles vaccine in that country. Read more in Nature.