Health
Health news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
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.
HealthThe Importance of Licensed Child Care for Summer Break
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is urging parents to select licensed child care providers this summer. HHS Executive Commissioner Stephanie Muth emphasized the importance of safe and nurturing environments for children. Families are encouraged to utilize online resources to check compliance histories of potential providers. Regulated child care facilities must adhere to safety standards and conduct background checks on staff, unlike unregulated ones that may pose risks. The HHSC Search Texas Child Care website helps families locate licensed centers and learn about various care options. For concerns about unlicensed facilities, the Texas Abuse Hotline is available 24/7 at 800-252-5400.
HealthTexas Agriculture Commissioner Calls for Urgent SWASS Action to Combat Screwworm Outbreak
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has urged the USDA to quickly implement the Screwworm Adult Suppression System (SWASS) following recent detections of New World screwworms in Gillespie and Andrews Counties, as well as a confirmed case in New Mexico. Miller emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that delays allow the pest to spread further. He has advocated for SWASS for over a year, highlighting its effectiveness in past eradication efforts. Miller also called for a joint U.S.-Mexico task force and increased surveillance to combat this destructive pest, which poses a significant threat to livestock and agriculture in Texas.
HealthNew screwworm cases raise concern for Texas cattle, beef prices
Concerns over the spread of the New World screwworm are growing after multiple new cases were confirmed on Monday, and as state and federal officials ramp up efforts to contain the parasite.
HealthUS-Commissioned Study Identifies Alcohol Risks, But Government Excludes It from Guidelines
An independent study commissioned by the administration of former President Joe Biden to investigate health-related damages from alcohol was published on Tuesday, after the government under President Donald Trump chose not to highlight the researchers' findings in new dietary recommendations, amid pressures from the alcohol industry and a congressional committee. The study's conclusions, published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, aligned with years of research, indicating that health risks increase with just one drink a day and that no level of alcohol consumption has a protective effect on mortality. Even levels considered 'moderate' raise the risk of premature death and over 200 diseases, including heart disease and cancer, the researchers found. The new study was one of two government reviews intended to help guide new dietary guidelines. Released earlier this year, the guidelines advised consuming 'less alcohol for better overall health.' The authors of the independently released study argue that this did not provide detailed practical advice on the risks of drinking.
HealthBorder Report Live: Interactive map tracks New World screwworm cases by county
A New Mexico dog briefly became the latest case of New World screwworm in Texas before health officials reclassified it.
Health‘Maybe not a hunting season at all’: Outfitters fear impact of screwworm outbreak
ALTON, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Concerns over the spread of screwworm in Texas are extending beyond cattle ranches and into the Rio Grande Valley’s hunting industry. Just days after the first screwworm case was confirmed in Texas, the number of infected animals has increased, raising fears among ranchers, hunters, and hunting outfitters about the potential impact
HealthUSDA Confirms Two Additional Cases of New World Screwworm in Texas
The USDA has confirmed two new cases of New World screwworm in Texas: a calf in La Salle County and a dog in Andrews County. Investigations are underway, with the dog reportedly having recently traveled from Mexico. New World screwworm poses a significant threat to livestock and pets, causing severe injuries and economic losses. The USDA and Texas Animal Health Commission are actively responding, with 75 personnel on the ground and additional support nationwide. They are implementing quarantine zones, increasing trapping, and releasing sterile flies to combat the infestation. Residents are urged to monitor their animals for signs of infestation.
HealthDog infected as screwworm cases grow in Texas
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Federal officials confirmed two additional cases of New World screwworm in the United States including the first case in a domesticated animal. On Monday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed that a calf in La Salle County, Texas and a dog in Andrews County, Texas were
HealthFor Our Children: Experts Warn About Signs of Child Abuse During Summer
As the school year ends, many children spend more time at home, increasing their vulnerability in unsafe environments. Experts warn that reports of child abuse tend to decrease during summer, not necessarily because incidents decline, but because children lose contact with teachers and counselors who can identify warning signs. In an interview with Noticias Telemundo 40, Inex Vargas emphasized the importance of parents and caregivers being vigilant for behavioral changes in children, such as persistent sadness, isolation, and declining school performance. Abuse can take many forms, including physical and sexual abuse, neglect, and lack of access to basic needs. Education and prevention are crucial for protecting children.
HealthTarget Recalls Baby Wipes Due to Risk of Serious Infection
Popular baby wipes sold at Target are being recalled after several customers reported 'discoloration,' leading to tests that found bacterial contamination that could cause potentially 'deadly' infections. The voluntary recall affects Target's Up & Up baby wipes; both fragrance-free and cucumber-scented varieties are included in the list of products that the retailer advises customers to 'stop using immediately.' According to the recall notice from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), tests detected the presence of the Burkholderia cepacia complex and Burkholderia gladioli in samples of the product. 'Using products contaminated with the Burkholderia cepacia complex and Burkholderia gladioli can lead to serious and potentially fatal infections,' the notice states. 'These products are primarily used on newborns, infants, and toddlers, who are particularly vulnerable to opportunistic infections due to their immature immune systems. In healthy individuals, using the product on skin with minor lesions is more likely to result in localized infections, while in immunocompromised individuals, newborns, infants, and toddlers, the infection is more likely to spread to the bloodstream, potentially leading to sepsis or pneumonia.' Target stated that the recalled wipes were manufactured by a supplier identified as Sapro Temizlik Urunleri but were sold in Target stores nationwide and online. The company said the recall was issued voluntarily 'out of an abundance of caution,' although it noted there have been several 'consumer complaints and reports of adverse events.' Reports included reactions such as skin irritation, eye irritation, and infections potentially related to the wipes. 'These reports are still under investigation. Target is coordinating with the manufacturer and continues to investigate this matter,' the recall notice indicated.