Health
Health news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
HealthGhirardelli Recalls Certain Powdered Drink Mixes Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination
The Ghirardelli Chocolate Company has voluntarily recalled certain powdered drink mixes due to potential salmonella contamination, according to an announcement posted on the FDA's website. The recall stems from a powdered milk recall initiated by California Dairies, Inc., over concerns that the milk powder may be contaminated with salmonella. This powdered milk was supplied to a third-party manufacturer and used as an ingredient in the drink mixes, according to statements from both the FDA and Ghirardelli. Most of the affected products were distributed to restaurants, food service industry clients, and other institutional customers. However, some consumers may have purchased them online. "Neither we, nor our third-party manufacturer, nor the powdered milk supplier have received any reports of illnesses or injuries related to this issue to date. Additionally, our own rigorous testing has not identified any affected powdered drink mixes," Ghirardelli stated in a recall alert on its website. The company noted that it has already removed a significant portion of the affected drink mixes and is working with partners to return or dispose of potentially contaminated products.
HealthInfant Formula in the U.S. is 'Safe,' According to FDA Analysis
A new analysis of chemical substances in infant formula available in the United States has found reassuringly low levels of heavy metals, pesticides, and other potential contaminants, federal health officials reported on Wednesday. The review was conducted as part of the FDA’s Operation Stork Speed project, described as the 'largest and most rigorous' to date. The agency concluded that the infant formula supply is 'safe,' according to FDA officials and external experts. 'There’s no reason not to use any formula available' in the U.S., said Dr. Steven Abrams, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Texas at Austin, who reviewed the findings. FDA officials tested over 300 samples of commercial infant formula between 2023 and 2025 for heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury. They also screened for pesticides, plastic-related chemicals known as phthalates, and PFAS, sometimes referred to as 'forever chemicals.' The agency reported that contaminant levels were either undetectable or very low. Detected heavy metals were well below limits set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for drinking water, and 99% of samples showed no traces of pesticides. Additionally, the FDA found no detections for 25 of the 30 PFAS compounds analyzed.
HealthThe push for raw milk intensifies in 18 states despite a series of outbreaks
La demanda por la leche cruda está ganando fuerza en 18 estados de los Estados Unidos, incluso frente a recientes brotes de enfermedades relacionados con su consumo. A pesar de las advertencias de las autoridades de salud sobre los riesgos asociados, los defensores argumentan que la leche sin pasteurizar ofrece beneficios nutricionales y un sabor más auténtico. Este debate continúa generando controversia entre consumidores, legisladores y expertos en salud pública.
HealthBlue Cross Blue Shield Settlement Payments of $2.67 Billion: What You Need to Know
Blue Cross Blue Shield subscribers may soon receive a check in the mail as part of a significant $2.67 billion settlement reached after years of litigation. The settlement, dating back to October 2020, alleged that the company violated antitrust laws by limiting competition among Blue Cross health insurance plans. Blue Cross denied all accusations of wrongdoing, maintaining that its decisions led to lower healthcare costs and greater access to health services. In addition to the settlement fund, the company agreed to implement 'changes in the way it conducts business' in a manner that, according to the plaintiffs, will increase competition in health insurance markets. According to the settlement administrator, the agreement has received final approval, and the initial distribution of payments will begin next month.
HealthDe La Cruz Leads Bipartisan Bill Targeting Fentanyl Deaths on College Campuses
Texas Border Business Texas Border Business WASHINGTON — Monica De La Cruz introduced the bipartisan Saving Lives on Campuses Act with Lou Correa, aiming to reduce overdose deaths among college students by requiring public colleges and universities to maintain opioid overdose rescue kits, including Narcan, on campus. Fentanyl overdose is the leading cause of death
HealthTeen Vaping: The Risk Many Parents May Be Overlooking
Health experts are raising alarms about the dangers of e-cigarette use among minors, noting that while the overall number of users has declined, younger individuals are increasingly starting to use these products. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), no tobacco product is safe, and specialists warn that vaping can lead to rapid addiction. Dr. Carlos Medina, a family physician, explained that one of the biggest risks is the unknown content of these devices, stating, 'Sometimes they contain nicotine... but they may also contain marijuana or other substances... that's what's dangerous, especially when you don't know what's inside.' Additionally, side effects can be more severe in minors. 'It can cause sweating, rapid heartbeat, loss of color, vomiting... and in some cases even seizures,' he warned. The expert emphasized that young brains are more susceptible to addiction, explaining, 'It causes more addiction in kids... the brain doesn't fully develop until age 25.' Given this situation, he advises parents to talk openly with their children and 'especially discuss the risks of e-cigarettes,' he said. In Texas, since 2023, students caught using vape devices on school property can face immediate expulsion if the devices contain nicotine or THC. Furthermore, possession of these products by minors is illegal, and new restrictions targeting youth-oriented designs of these devices have been implemented as of September 2025. This article was originally reported for broadcast by Telemundo 40. Artificial intelligence tools assisted in creating the digital version, and a Telemundo Digital journalist edited the article for publication.
HealthInvestigation underway after confirmed measles case reported in Cameron County
Las autoridades de salud están llevando a cabo una investigación después de que se confirmara un caso de sarampión en el Condado de Cameron. Se insta a la comunidad a estar alerta y a verificar su estado de vacunación para prevenir la propagación de la enfermedad. Más detalles serán proporcionados a medida que avance la investigación.
HealthCDC warns of drug-resistant salmonella infections linked to backyard poultry
Los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC, por sus siglas en inglés) han emitido una advertencia sobre infecciones de salmonela resistentes a medicamentos que están relacionadas con el manejo de aves de corral en patios traseros. Según el informe, estas infecciones pueden ser graves y difíciles de tratar debido a la resistencia a los antibióticos. Los CDC recomiendan tomar medidas de higiene, como lavarse las manos después de estar en contacto con las aves, para reducir el riesgo de contagio.
HealthRegion One to host community mental health event in Edinburg
Region One llevará a cabo un evento comunitario enfocado en la salud mental en la ciudad de Edinburg. La iniciativa busca proporcionar recursos y apoyo a los residentes locales, promoviendo el bienestar emocional y mental en la comunidad. Más detalles sobre el evento, incluyendo fecha, hora y lugar, serán anunciados próximamente.
HealthCameron County confirms a case of measles in the area
Las autoridades de salud del Condado de Cameron han confirmado un caso de sarampión en el área. Instan a la comunidad a tomar precauciones y verificar que sus vacunas estén al día para prevenir la propagación de la enfermedad.
HealthPlanned Parenthood offers sex education resources at Clinica Festival
BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Organizers with Planned Parenthood South Texas gathered in Brownsville on Tuesday to host a community reproductive healthcare event. Clinica Festival is a bi-annual event that aims to expand access to sexual and reproductive healthcare across the Rio Grande Valley and beyond. "Everyone is welcome here at Planned Parenthood," said Marisol Medina, Planned
HealthCameron County Public Health confirms a case of measles in the area
El Departamento de Salud Pública del Condado de Cameron ha confirmado un caso de sarampión en el área. Las autoridades están trabajando para identificar posibles exposiciones y han instado a la comunidad a verificar su estado de vacunación. Se recuerda a los residentes que el sarampión es altamente contagioso y que la vacunación es la mejor forma de prevención.
HealthCameron County Public Health investigating confirmed case of measles
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Cameron County Public Health Department on Tuesday confirmed that it is investigating a measles case. According to the department, the case was identified in a non-Cameron County resident who had traveled from a state with recent measles cases. It's unclear if the person was vaccinated against measles, the department said.
HealthCameron County Confirms Measles Case; Investigation Underway
The Cameron County Public Health Department has confirmed a case of measles and launched an investigation to identify potential exposures within the community. Officials clarified that the case involves an individual who does not reside in the county but traveled from another state where recent outbreaks have been reported. It remains unclear whether the patient was vaccinated. Health Administrator Esmeralda Guajardo stated, 'A person with measles is contagious four days before the rash appears and four days afterward; we determined the most infectious period was between April 15 and April 23.' Authorities are currently working in coordination with the Texas Department of State Health Services to locate individuals who may have been exposed to the virus. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease that spreads through direct contact or airborne transmission when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms typically appear one to two weeks after exposure and include: high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a rash that starts on the face and spreads across the body. Health officials urge anyone who suspects exposure to isolate and contact their healthcare provider before visiting a clinic to prevent further spread. The department emphasized that vaccination with two doses of the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella) is the best form of prevention, offering up to 97% protection. Children should receive the first dose between 12 and 15 months of age and the second dose between 4 and 6 years old. The county will continue monitoring the situation and encourages residents to report any suspected cases by calling (956) 247-3650.
HealthBaby on Board: Paramedics Assist Passenger in Giving Birth During Delta Flight
Please fasten your seatbelt, secure your tray table, return your seat to its upright position, and prepare for... childbirth? A passenger aboard a Delta Air Lines flight departing from Atlanta gave birth to a 5.5-pound baby girl on Friday, just before the Boeing 737 landed at Portland International Airport in Oregon. Two paramedics, who happened to be traveling on the flight, assisted with the delivery, borrowing blankets from other passengers and using a shoelace to tie off the umbilical cord. Baby Brielle Renee Blair arrived a couple of weeks early, and the plane landed about 20 minutes ahead of schedule. The mother, Ashley Blair, a Tennessee resident, was traveling to Oregon to be with her own mother for the delivery but didn’t make it in time. She went into labor about 30 minutes before the plane reached its destination.
HealthCR Investigation: Energy drinks risky for teens
Un estudio reciente realizado por Consumer Reports revela que el consumo de bebidas energéticas podría representar riesgos significativos para la salud de los adolescentes. Los expertos advierten sobre los efectos secundarios, como aumento de la presión arterial, problemas cardíacos y trastornos del sueño, que pueden derivarse del consumo excesivo de estas bebidas. La investigación insta a los padres y educadores a tomar medidas para informar a los jóvenes sobre los posibles peligros.
HealthUTRGV podiatric clinic in Harlingen combats diabetic foot complications
La clínica podológica de la Universidad de Texas del Valle del Río Grande (UTRGV), ubicada en Harlingen, está trabajando para prevenir y tratar las complicaciones relacionadas con el pie diabético. Este esfuerzo busca mejorar la calidad de vida de los pacientes y reducir los riesgos asociados con esta condición común en personas que padecen diabetes.
HealthHeart of the Valley: Weslaco woman shares her 20-year journey to manage diabetes
Una residente de Weslaco ha abierto su corazón para compartir su experiencia de dos décadas viviendo con diabetes. A través de su historia, busca inspirar a otros en el Valle del Río Grande a tomar control de su salud y enfrentar los desafíos de esta enfermedad crónica con determinación y esperanza.
HealthFlorida Shuts Gates to South Texas Livestock; Miller Warns of Growing Parasite Threat
Texas Border Business AUSTIN — Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller responded to Florida’s emergency rule restricting the import of warm-blooded animals from South Texas counties the state has labeled “high risk” due to their proximity to recent New World screwworm detections in Mexico within 125 miles of the U.S. border. The following statement may be attributed