LEGISLATIVE CHAIRS: Several new health-related committee chairs have been named in the state Senate and Assembly as the legislative session kicked off this week. Assemblywoman Jo Anne Simon of Carroll Gardens is the new mental health chair, replacing Aileen Gunther who retired last year. Sen. Jamaal Bailey, representing parts of the Bronx and Westchester, is the new insurance committee chair, and Sen. Patricia Fahy of central New York will chair the disabilities committee. The health committees will continue to be chaired by Sen. Gustavo Rivera and Assemblywoman Amy Paulin. Sen. Samra Brouk will remain chair of the mental health committee in her chamber.
HUMAN METAPNEUMOVIRUS: The state Department of Health is warning New Yorkers about the dangers of human metapneumovirus, which causes symptoms similar to the common cold. The virus spreads through direct contact with infected people and contaminated surfaces, and there is no vaccine. There are also no antiviral medicines available and infections tend to rise during winter and early spring. While most cases are mild, severe cases can trigger asthma flare-ups and cause complications like bronchiolitis, bronchitis, pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
