Health
Health news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
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.
HealthUSDA Confirms Four Cases of Cattle Fever Tick in Texas
The USDA has confirmed four cases of the New World Screwworm in Texas, with two new cases reported in La Salle and Andrews counties. The affected animals include a calf in La Salle, located about 100 miles south of San Antonio, and a dog in Andrews, which is near the New Mexico border and recently traveled from Mexico. In response, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has activated the State Emergency Operations Center to Level II to address this threat. Residents who suspect the presence of the screwworm are urged to contact the Texas Animal Health Commission or the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
HealthUSDA Confirms Four Cases of Cattle Fever Tick in Texas
HOUSTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed on Monday that there are now four cases of the cattle fever tick in Texas. The two new cases add to one identified by Texas authorities over the weekend. According to plant health officials, the two new cases were reported in La Salle and Andrews counties. In La Salle County, located about 100 miles south of San Antonio, the infested animal was a calf, while in Andrews County, near the New Mexico border, the affected animal was a dog that had reportedly been in Mexico recently. 'In the past week, the Department of Agriculture has identified and addressed four cases of the new cattle fever tick swiftly,' said Dudley Hoskins, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. In response to this situation, Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered the activation of the Emergency Operations Center to level 2, which outlines a scaled response to a threat like the cattle fever tick. 'I have activated the full use of state resources to respond to the threat of the cattle fever tick,' the governor said in a statement, adding that protecting our ranchers, deer breeders, animal producers, and the Texas economy from this pest is a priority.
HealthSoccer Player Who Suffered Cardiac Arrest During Match in 2021 Collapses Again on the Field
Christian Eriksen collapsed during an international friendly match between Denmark and Ukraine at Nature Energy Park in Odense. The incident occurred in the 65th minute, echoing his previous cardiac arrest during the 2021 European Championship. Fortunately, Eriksen was conscious and received medical attention on the field. Team doctor Morten Boesen confirmed that Eriksen was stable and requested to send greetings to his teammates. The match was suspended at 79 minutes with Denmark leading 2-1. Eriksen, who returned to professional football after being fitted with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, is under further medical evaluation. Neither team qualified for the World Cup.
Health'Morning checks are going to be more thorough': Ranchers on alert for screwworms
PHARR, Texas (ValleyCentral) — South Texas ranchers are stepping up inspections and preventive measures after New World screwworm cases were recently confirmed in Texas, raising concerns among livestock producers across the region. While state and federal officials continue working to contain the pest, local ranchers say early detection and quick reporting will be key to
HealthSafe Summer Expo aims to reduce kids’ injuries in South Texas
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — South Texas Health System Children’s held its third annual Safe Summer Expo to provide safety strategies to help kids stay safe during the summer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is a significant spike in pediatric emergency room visits nationwide between June and August. According to an STHS
HealthSecond screwworm case in Texas confirmed, as Abbott expands state disaster declaration
The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed a second case of New World screwworm in Zavala County, prompting Governor Greg Abbott to expand a statewide disaster declaration. The new case was identified in a calf just 5.6 miles from the first case. In response, Abbott authorized the use of all state resources to combat the infestation, including the construction of a facility to produce sterile flies aimed at disrupting the screwworm's reproduction cycle. The USDA has established a 20-kilometer infested zone and is working with local partners to manage the outbreak, which could potentially cause $1.8 billion in economic damage to Texas.
HealthGov. Abbott fast tracks sterile fly facility in Edinburg to combat screwworm
Governor Greg Abbott is intensifying efforts to protect Texas livestock from the New World Screwworm by fast-tracking an $800 million sterile fly breeding facility at Moore Air Base near Edinburg. This initiative follows a disaster declaration expansion aimed at preventing the parasite's spread, which threatens the state's $15 billion cattle industry. A confirmed screwworm case was reported in a calf in La Pryor, prompting officials to treat the animal and inspect its herd. Texas A&M will deploy fly testing facilities, and residents are urged to monitor pets for wounds and report any suspicious cases to the Texas Animal Health Commission.
HealthUSDA confirms second case of New World Screwworm in South Texas
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The United States Department of Agriculture has confirmed a second detection of New World Screwworm in Zavala County. According to the USDA, the detection was confirmed on Friday on a domestic cattle. A post from the New World Screwworm Rapid Response page claims the second case comes from a one-month-old calf approximately
HealthValley Baptist Health System hosting cereal drive
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — With students out for summer vacation, Valley Baptist Health System is partnering with the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley to provide hungry children and adults with a healthy breakfast. The cereal drive is taking place from June 8 through June 18. "When it comes to our children, I feel
HealthValley ranchers on alert as screwworm risk grows
Ranchers in the Rio Grande Valley are on high alert due to the proximity of New World screwworm cases in Uvalde County. Although no cases have been confirmed in Hidalgo County, local officials are coordinating with state and federal agencies to monitor the situation. Veterinarian Lucas Hinojosa recalls past outbreaks that severely affected cattle, leading to significant losses. Ranchers are advised to inspect their livestock daily for wounds and report any concerns to the Texas Animal Health Commission. The USDA is implementing measures, including quarantines and the release of sterile flies, to prevent the screwworm's spread. Public vigilance is crucial.