Health
Health news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
HealthFirst U. S. screwworm case confirmed in South Texas
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed the first case of New World screwworm in South Texas, specifically in La Pryor, Zavala County. This parasitic fly poses a significant threat to the state's $15 billion cattle industry. The USDA is working with local partners and has activated personnel to manage the situation. The screwworm, which targets warm-blooded mammals, had been eradicated in the U.S. since the 1960s but has re-emerged in Central America and Mexico. Officials are implementing measures to prevent its spread, including shutting down live animal imports from Mexico and establishing sterile fly production facilities in Texas and Mexico.
HealthA tremendous load off our back: Cameron County storm victim turns to SBA for disaster relief loans
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is providing low-interest disaster loans to residents and small businesses in the Rio Grande Valley affected by severe weather in April and May. Vicky Cantu from San Benito, whose home was damaged on May 9, visited the disaster outreach center to apply for assistance. She described the stress of living in a damaged home and the importance of the loans for recovery. Applications are open for those impacted, requiring a cell phone, ID, and email. The center operates Monday to Friday, with application deadlines for physical damage on July 6, 2026, and economic injury on February 8, 2027.
HealthUSDA announces possible case of New World screwworm in South Texas
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investigating a suspected case of New World screwworm in South Texas, which could threaten the state's $15 billion cattle industry. A sample from La Pryor in Zavala County tested positive at the USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratories. Officials have activated response teams and are collaborating with local partners to manage the situation. The screwworm, a parasitic fly, has not been seen in the U.S. since the 1960s and poses serious risks to livestock. The USDA is also working with Mexican and Panamanian officials to eradicate the pest using sterile fly techniques.
HealthFirst Case of Screwworm Confirmed in Texas
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department confirmed the first case of the screwworm (NWS) in Zavala County on June 3. The sample was taken from a three-week-old calf with an umbilical injury and identified by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Iowa. This marks the first detection in Texas since the parasite began moving north from Central America in 2023. Currently, no other cases have been reported in the state. Authorities have established an infested zone and imposed animal movement restrictions. They are also accelerating the release of sterile flies to control the breeding population in the area.
HealthUSDA announces possible New World screwworm infection in South Texas
The United States Department of Agriculture announced on social media that a case of the New World screwworm (NWS) may have been detected in south Texas.
HealthPossible Screwworm Case Under Investigation in South Texas
Authorities reported that a possible case of New World Screwworm (NWS) has been detected in South Texas. According to preliminary information, the sample was sent to the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Ames, Iowa, where confirmation tests will be conducted. While awaiting official results, authorities indicated that personnel have already been activated in the area and are working in coordination with local partners to address the situation and follow up on the case. They also stated that they will keep the community informed as the investigation progresses and new information becomes available. 'What you can expect from us is transparency, openness, and, most importantly, action,' authorities said in a statement. The screwworm is a pest that can affect animals by depositing larvae in open wounds, which can cause serious health damage to the animal if not treated promptly. Authorities assured that updates will be provided as soon as laboratory test results are available.
HealthAuthorities Investigate Possible Case of Screwworm in South Texas
Authorities reported that a possible case of New World Screwworm (NWS) has been detected in South Texas. According to preliminary information, the sample was sent to the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Ames, Iowa, where confirmation tests will be conducted. While awaiting official results, authorities stated that personnel have already been activated in the area and are working in coordination with local partners to address the situation and follow up on the case. They also indicated that they will keep the community informed as the investigation progresses and new data becomes available. 'What you can expect from us is transparency, openness, and, most importantly, action,' authorities said in a statement. The screwworm is a pest that can affect animals by depositing larvae in open wounds, which can cause serious health issues if not treated promptly. Authorities assured that updates will be provided as soon as laboratory test results are available.
HealthPrescription Health: Arlene fight for two
Arlene Brown, a 21-week pregnant woman, was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, a fast-moving type that complicates treatment options. With a family history of cancer and a BRCA1 gene mutation, she faced this challenge head-on. Contrary to common belief, her doctors at Duke Cancer Center assured her that chemotherapy could be safely administered during pregnancy. Arlene began treatment in her second trimester, and after delivering her baby at 35 weeks, she continued with intensified therapies. Now cancer-free, Arlene shares her story of resilience and motherhood, emphasizing the importance of support during her journey.
HealthTexas Children Hospital detransition clinic to launch this year, will include mental health and endocrinology services
Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston will establish a detransition clinic for transgender patients later this year, following a settlement with the Texas Attorney General's Office. The clinic will offer various services, including endocrinology, surgery, and mental health support. The hospital has 90 days from the settlement's effective date to launch the clinic, which is part of a $10 million settlement stemming from a 2023 investigation. The agreement also requires the hospital to maintain a list of potential patients for gender-affirming care and remove related press releases from its website. The clinic aims to formalize existing supportive services for patients.
HealthFrom festering infections to untreated cancer, ICE detainees across the US describe medical neglect
An investigation by KFF Health News and the Associated Press reveals alarming medical neglect among ICE detainees across the U.S. Reports from individuals in various detention centers highlight severe health issues, including untreated infections, cancer, and lack of essential medications for chronic conditions. Over 75,000 immigrants are currently detained, with many alleging inadequate medical care and delayed responses to their health requests. The situation has worsened since the Trump administration's policies led to increased detentions. Families of detainees express helplessness as they witness their loved ones deteriorate without proper medical attention.
HealthWho Will Be Exempt from the New Medicaid Work Requirements Next Year?
Pregnant women, parents of young children, veterans with disabilities, and several other groups will be exempt from the new Medicaid work requirements, the Trump administration reported on Monday. The guidance was published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, meeting the June 1 deadline set in President Donald Trump's 'great and beautiful bill' to explain how states should implement the work rules. Starting January 1, many adults receiving Medicaid will need to work, attend school, or volunteer for at least 80 hours a month to maintain their coverage. The guidance also includes exemptions for 'medically fragile' individuals or those with conditions that significantly limit their ability to work, such as cancer or substance use disorder. However, the guidance does not include an exemption for homeless individuals. States will have discretion to determine which medical conditions qualify for exemptions. Nebraska, which implemented Medicaid work requirements this year, listed the diagnoses that would qualify someone as medically fragile in a nearly 300-page document of medical codes and technical language.
HealthFrozen Pizza Product Recalled Due to Possible Salmonella
A frozen pizza product sold in popular supermarkets in the Chicago area and nationwide is being recalled due to an ongoing salmonella threat that has led to the recall of more than a dozen other products. Champion Foods, based in Michigan, announced last week that it was voluntarily recalling certain batches of Motor City Pizza Co. 5 Cheese Bread, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported on Monday. The product was sold nationwide at Costco, Walmart, Jewel, Kroger, Target, Meijer, and others. The recall is due to the potential risk of salmonella contamination. Concerns stem from a powdered milk ingredient supplied by California Dairies, which was recalled in April due to possible salmonella contamination and has been linked to recalls of at least a dozen popular snack products in the United States. The FDA stated that no illnesses have been reported so far.
HealthTexas AG Demands Answers From Bayer and PepsiCo in Sweeping Corporate Food Contamination Probe
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched a comprehensive investigation into glyphosate contamination in food, which poses health risks, especially to children. His office has issued Civil Investigative Demands to major companies like Bayer and PepsiCo. Glyphosate, a key ingredient in Roundup, is linked to various health issues, including cancer. Despite EPA restrictions on its use as a desiccant for oats in the U.S., many food companies source oats from countries where this practice is allowed. Paxton emphasized that no corporation is above the law and that his office will ensure accountability for any misleading health claims.
Health$40.8M in Grants Approved to Support Texas Veterans
Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) have announced the approval of $40.8 million in Fund for Veterans’ Assistance (FVA) grants. These funds will support 190 grants to 160 organizations across Texas, aiming to assist over 125,698 veterans and their families. The grants, approved last week, will provide vital services including clinical counseling, housing assistance, and legal aid. Funding primarily comes from Texas Lottery games designated for veteran support, along with other sources like donations on driver’s licenses. Since 2009, over $400 million has been awarded through FVA grants, enhancing the lives of Texas veterans and their families.
HealthUSPS Reveals List of States with Most Dog Attacks on Mail Carriers
Thousands of United States Postal Service (USPS) employees suffered dog attacks across the country in 2025, with Denver ranking third for the highest incidents. To combat these attacks, USPS launched the awareness campaign 'Don't Turn Your Back on Dog Bite Prevention' on Monday, June 1, sharing guidelines to help dog owners protect mail carriers and ensure safe mail delivery. 'Preventing dog-related incidents requires constant and shared vigilance. This campaign reinforces a vital truth: animal behavior can change in an instant; however, proactive awareness from both our mail carriers and the customers we serve can prevent painful injuries before they occur,' said Leeann Theriault, employee safety and health awareness manager. Over 5,200 employees were bitten by dogs throughout the United States. Which states had the highest incidence? California: 673, Texas: 358, Ohio: 287, New York: 269, Pennsylvania: 267, Illinois: 260, Florida: 183, Missouri: 182, Michigan: 174, Indiana: 159. Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, San Antonio, Phoenix, Philadelphia, Jacksonville, and Miami were among the cities where mail carriers experienced the most dog bites in 2025.
HealthWhy Tim Ream Uses LEGOs to Manage His Mental Health
Tim Ream builds his mental health brick by brick. To help quiet his mind, the captain of the U.S. Men's National Team searches through thousands of tiny, colorful interlocking plastic bricks while assembling LEGO figures. He finds peace in locating the pieces. 'It forces you, in a way, to disconnect from what's going on outside and focus solely on the pieces and how they fit together,' Ream said in an episode of NBC's 'My Favorite World Cup Player.' Ream, a defender for Charlotte FC in MLS and who will captain the U.S. team in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has spoken openly about his struggles with mental health, which he says date back to his elementary school years.
HealthTexas Animal Health Commission adds inspectors to stop screwworm spread
The Texas Animal Health Commission is increasing its workforce by hiring additional inspectors to combat the spread of the screwworm, a harmful parasite confirmed in northern Mexico. Local, state, and federal officials are actively monitoring the situation. The commission is reallocating vacant positions to focus on New World screwworm inspections, according to Deputy Executive Director T.R. Lansford. These inspectors will monitor livestock and fly traps along the border. The commission plans to assess the need for more inspectors in the Rio Grande Valley and may seek approval from state lawmakers for additional positions if necessary.
HealthWhat to know about the outbreak of a rare kind of Ebola
A rare strain of the Ebola virus has emerged in Congo and Uganda, with 134 confirmed cases and 18 deaths reported as of May 29. The World Health Organization has declared this outbreak a public health emergency. The Bundibugyo virus, responsible for the outbreak, has no approved treatments or vaccines. The situation is exacerbated by ongoing conflict in the region, which complicates the response efforts. Health workers face challenges, including a lack of equipment and community distrust. The outbreak began in late April in Ituri province, and international aid is being mobilized, though it has not kept pace with the outbreak's rapid spread.
HealthHHSC Reminds Providers to Review Emergency Plans
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is reminding health care facilities and child care providers to update their emergency plans ahead of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season. Despite forecasts predicting a below-normal season, the NOAA anticipates three to six hurricanes, including major ones. HHSC emphasizes the importance of preparedness to ensure the safety of Texans and requires long-term care providers to regularly prepare for disasters. Facilities must address power loss, food and water needs, communication, staffing, and care continuity in their plans. Providers can find resources on the Texas Ready website to assist in their preparations.