Health
Health news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
HealthAlfredo sauce recalled in 41 states due to possible salmonella contamination
The Coffee Connexion Co. has recalled Alfredo sauce in 41 states due to potential salmonella contamination, according to the FDA. The recall affects 913 cases containing 12 bags of three-pound polyethylene-packaged sauce, with UPC code 0039954921963. The affected lots are 0126, 0476, 0686, and 1106, with expiration dates ranging from January 12, 2028, to April 20, 2028. The states impacted include Texas, California, Florida, and others. The FDA has classified this as a Class I recall, indicating a reasonable probability of serious health consequences or death. The recall was initially issued in May and remains in effect.
HealthWhere is screwworm in Texas? Track cases here.
The New World screwworm has been detected in a calf in Zavala County, Texas, raising concerns for the state's $41 billion cattle industry. The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed the case on June 3, 2026, and subsequent infestations have been reported. Nearly 28,000 cases have been identified in Mexico since late 2024. In response, officials are enhancing animal surveillance and restricting movement from infested areas. The screwworm, a parasitic fly, can cause severe damage to livestock and is a threat to all mammals, including pets. Early treatment for wounds is crucial to prevent infestation.
HealthNara Organics recalls baby formula sold at Target after botulism outbreak
Nara Organics has recalled its organic infant formula sold at Target and online due to a reported outbreak of infant botulism in several states. Three infants aged 2 to 5 months were hospitalized in California, Pennsylvania, and Washington after consuming the Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula. The FDA has stated that the formula accounts for less than 1% of all infant formulas sold in the U.S., alleviating concerns about a shortage. The CDC advises parents to stop using the product immediately and monitor their babies for symptoms, which require urgent medical attention.
HealthVanessa Trump, Donald Trump's former daughter-in-law, begins second phase of cancer treatment
Vanessa Trump, the 48-year-old ex-daughter-in-law of Donald Trump, announced on Instagram that she is beginning the second phase of her breast cancer treatment after recovering from surgery for the past four weeks. She first revealed her diagnosis in May and expressed gratitude for her healing progress. Trump, who has five children, did not disclose the specific type of breast cancer or details about her upcoming treatment phase. Medical professionals are increasingly urging younger women to monitor their health due to rising breast cancer rates among women under 50 in the U.S.
HealthFDA Fast-Tracks OTC Generic Pill Nitenpyram to Fight Deadly Screwworm in Pets
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Emergency Use Authorization for generic Nitenpyram Tablets to treat New World screwworm infestations in pets, including dogs and cats over four weeks old and weighing at least two pounds. This marks the first generic animal drug approved for this purpose. U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emphasized the government's commitment to eradicating this pest. Nitenpyram acts quickly to kill larvae, but does not prevent reinfestation. The tablets are available over the counter in two sizes, and pet owners are advised to consult veterinarians for proper care.
HealthUSDA releases sterile flies near Uvalde to fight screwworm spread
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released sterile flies at a ranch in La Pryor, near Uvalde, to combat the spread of screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite. Currently, there are seven active cases in the U.S., with six in Texas and one in New Mexico. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced that staffing has increased by over 1,000%, and since February, 142 million sterile flies have been released in Texas. The USDA advises pet owners and farmers to monitor their animals for wounds or lesions and to report any suspected infections immediately.
HealthScrewworm was found in a dog in Texas. What does that mean for your pets?
The New World screwworm has been confirmed in Texas, with six cases reported in the state and one in New Mexico. This parasitic fly targets open wounds on warm-blooded animals, including pets, laying eggs that hatch into maggots. Symptoms of infestation include discomfort, foul-smelling discharge, and unusual behavior in pets. Veterinarians emphasize that the condition is treatable if caught early, with specific medications available. Pet owners are advised to monitor their animals closely for wounds and maintain good hygiene. Local officials are actively working on containment measures, including releasing sterile flies to control the population.
HealthMen's Health Awareness Month: Experts highlight common health issues faced by Valley men
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — June is Men's Health Awareness Month, and local health specialists are offering prevention strategies and proactive steps for a healthier lifestyle. Dr. Benjamin Fano, MD, at South Texas Health System McAllen, said the most common health problems men face in the Rio Grande Valley are diabetes, high blood pressure, being overweight, and
Health'Earlier damage to the brain': Researchers dive into dementia, Alzheimer rates in the Rio Grande Valley
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Rio Grande Valley faces some of the highest rates of dementia and Alzheimer's disease in the world, and researchers at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley are working to understand why. Doctors and scientists at the UTRGV Institute of Neuroscience say several health conditions common in the region may
HealthFather, son share successful kidney transplant story at DHR Health
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The DHR Health Transplant Institute held an event on Tuesday highlighting the story of a successful kidney transplant between a father and son. After facing kidney disease and challenges waiting for a transplant, Luis F. Gonzalez received a kidney transplant from his son, Ivan Gonzalez. Ivan said it took him less
HealthPrivate Water Well Screenings Set for June in South Texas
The Texas Well Owner Network will conduct private water well screenings in South Texas from June 22-30. Residents in Robstown, Sinton, and Refugio will pay $15 per sample, while others can test for free. The screenings will check for contaminants like E. coli and arsenic. Sample drop-off locations include Robstown, Falfurrias, Kingsville, and more, with specific times for each area. Results meetings are scheduled for June 25 in various locations, including Robstown and Sinton, and a virtual meeting for Zapata and Rio Grande City on June 30. For details, contact Joel Pigg at Texas A&M AgriLife.
Health'Almost like a scary movie': Flesh-eating screwworm can infect humans
MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — As new cases of New World Screwworm continue to be reported, local health officials are reminding residents that the dangerous parasite poses a risk not only to livestock and pets but also to humans. Although human infections are rare, Hidalgo County Health Authority Dr. Ivan Melendez says the parasite can become
HealthTexas A & M AgriLife launches screwworm task force to protect cattle industry
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has initiated a task force to combat the spread of New World screwworms, which have recently been detected in New Mexico. Dr. Phillip Kaufman, a veterinary entomologist, is spearheading the initiative aimed at protecting Texas's cattle industry. The task force will develop training programs to ensure proper inspection and treatment of cattle to prevent the parasite's spread. Kaufman mentioned that the plan will be finalized by the end of the week and submitted to the animal health commission for further action, including training additional personnel in affected areas.
HealthLa Grulla shelter steps up screwworm prevention as parasite cases increase in Texas
The Pawradise Dog Sanctuary in La Grulla is enhancing its screwworm prevention measures as cases of the parasite increase in Texas, particularly with a confirmed case in La Salle County. Owner Gloria Gonzalez noted that many animals arriving at the shelter have skin injuries, making them vulnerable to infections. She uses a medicated spray to treat open wounds and has intensified cleaning efforts at her facility. Nearby, the Rio Grande City animal control is also vigilant, having reported cases of animals with maggots, although recent tests showed they were negative for screwworm. Community cooperation is essential to combat this issue.
HealthHospitals Must Detail Their Prices, Says Federal Government
The Trump administration warned over 500 hospitals that they must provide the public with more basic information about healthcare prices, arguing that the lack of disclosure is inflating costs. The Associated Press exclusively obtained the list of hospitals that have received warning letters or requests to submit plans for price disclosure since April. Failure to comply with these warnings could result in penalties of up to $2 million annually for each recipient that does not develop a plan to publish clear data. The letters aim to address a fundamental issue: that patients, employers, and insurers may not know in advance how much a blood test, X-ray, or other form of treatment will cost, resulting in them paying more than they should. AP has published the list of hospitals that have received letters. A senior government official, who requested anonymity to provide the list, noted that President Trump plans to tighten transparency rules under an executive order he signed in 2019. More hospitals may receive letters for lack of data, the official added. The warnings are the latest example of how Trump is trying to convey that his administration is addressing the issue of medical expenses that can ruin a family's budget.
HealthMexico and the U.S. Suspend Live Animal Imports Due to Screwworm Cases
MEXICO CITY — Mexico and the United States agreed on Tuesday to temporarily suspend the importation of live animals from the neighboring country into Mexico in an effort to contain the spread of the screwworm pest following the confirmation of three new cases in Texas and New Mexico. The Mexican Ministry of Agriculture stated in a release that the measure was decided in coordination with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to strengthen the health protection of livestock in northwestern Mexico, where no cases have currently been reported. The northern states of Baja California, Baja California Sur, Chihuahua, Sinaloa, and Sonora have not reported any screwworm cases. As of earlier this week, Mexico had accumulated 1,993 active cases across 27 of the country's 32 states. The screwworm is a larva of the fly Cochliomyia hominivorax that can invade the tissues of any warm-blooded animal, including humans. The import restriction will apply to cattle, wild ruminants, horses for breeding, sport, exhibition, and transit, pigs, sheep, goats, songbirds, and ferrets originating from or coming from the United States.
HealthFather and Son Share Living Kidney Donation Story at DHR Health Event
DHR Health Transplant Institute in Edinburg recently hosted an event showcasing the inspiring story of a living kidney donation between Dr. Luis Gonzalez and his son, Ivan Gonzalez. In October 2022, Ivan donated a kidney to his father, who had seen his kidney function decline to just 3%. The event featured discussions led by Dr. Hector Saucedo Crespo, emphasizing the importance of living organ donations and the growth of the DHR Health kidney transplant program. Dr. Gonzalez expressed that this act was not just a medical procedure but a profound demonstration of familial love.
HealthAs screwworm nears, rural Zapata County has no vet to get preventative drugs
As cases of New World screwworm increase in Texas, the South Texas ranching county of Zapata is especially concerned because they don't have a veterinarian in the entire county to treat livestock or pets.
HealthUSDA Taps Texas A&M Regent John Bellinger to Lead New World Screwworm Fight
The USDA has appointed John Bellinger, a Texas A&M Regent and cattleman, as Senior Advisor for New World Screwworm Preparedness. This initiative aims to combat the spread of the New World screwworm, a pest threatening livestock health and economic stability in Texas. Bellinger brings extensive experience in cattle production and food safety. He emphasized the importance of addressing this threat while assuring consumers that American beef remains safe. Texas A&M is actively involved in the response, leveraging its expertise to coordinate efforts among federal and state agencies, as well as agricultural producers, to ensure long-term preparedness against this pest.