Health
Health news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
HealthValley doctor weighs in on new cholesterol pill
In the Rio Grande Valley, high cholesterol is a significant concern, especially among those with diabetes. The FDA has recently approved Lipfendra, a new pill that aids the liver in eliminating bad cholesterol from the bloodstream. Previously available only as an injection, the pill is expected to be more affordable for residents, according to Dr. Kamesh 'Siv' Sivagnanam from Valley Baptist Harlingen. He noted that the injections were costly, making the pill a more accessible option for many. Research indicates that Lipfendra can lower bad cholesterol levels by approximately 60 percent.
HealthDHR Health Bariatric Surgeon Shares Weight Loss Solutions with Port Isabel Rotary
Dr. Angela Lomas, a bariatric surgeon from DHR Health Brownsville, spoke to the Port Isabel Rotary Club at Montana’s The Kraken Bar & Grill about the benefits of bariatric surgery. She detailed how DHR Health's comprehensive weight-loss program supports patients in achieving long-term health improvements. Dr. Lomas emphasized the serious health risks associated with obesity, including diabetes and heart disease, and outlined various surgical options like sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass. She also invited attendees to join her monthly support meetings, which are conducted in both English and Spanish, reinforcing DHR Health's commitment to community health in the Rio Grande Valley.
HealthLawsuit Filed Against Taco Bell and Taylor Fresh Foods for Cyclospora Infection
A couple from Michigan has filed a $75,000 lawsuit against Taco Bell and lettuce supplier Taylor Fresh Foods after contracting an infection from the Cyclospora parasite, which causes diarrhea. According to various reports, Preston and Marie Parrish filed the lawsuit in Shiawassee County, Michigan. This news comes as federal health officials investigate a new outbreak linked to Cyclospora. As of Wednesday, the outbreak has affected 72 people.
HealthVet offices crowding up as screwworm fears grow, but services are limited
A South Texas lawmaker in 2025 proposed legislation to allow teledoc veterinarian services, but it failed. Now vets, which are outnumbered in Texas, are struggling to supply services and have increased demands from clients as New World screwworm has been detected in Texas. (Sandra Sanchez/Border Report Video)
HealthNearly 1.6 million eggs recalled over salmonella concerns: Full list of products impacted
Both white and cage-free brown eggs are impacted.
HealthEggs Produced in Texas Recalled Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination
Midwest Poultry Services, L.P. is voluntarily recalling 1,589,577 dozen white and brown eggs produced in Texas due to potential Salmonella Enteritidis contamination, as reported by the FDA. The affected eggs were produced between June 6 and July 3, 2026, with sell-by dates ranging from July 20 to August 17, 2026. These eggs were sold at Kroger stores in Texas and Louisiana, Brookshire Grocery stores across several states, and other smaller retailers. The company has not reported any illnesses linked to these products. Consumers are advised to return the eggs for a full refund and can contact the company for more information.
Health'Wish it never happened': Starr County ranchers concerned after New World screwworm case
ROMA, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Starr County rancher says he is concerned about the impact a confirmed case of New World screwworm could have on his operation as western Starr County remains under movement restrictions. “Wish it never happened but it did. Now, we deal with it,” said Richard Garza-Ray, a rancher near Roma. Garza-Ray’s
HealthValley Baptist Brownsville unveils new stroke care equipment
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Health care leaders joined at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Brownsville to celebrate a new program and equipment designed to treat stroke patients. The facility's new bi-plane imaging equipment will help specialists treat stroke patients more effectively and safely. With the help of the equipment, the facility's new thrombectomy program will
HealthFruit Puree Pouches Sold at Target and Kroger Recalled Due to Possible Presence of Soft Plastic
Pumpkin Tree Organics (PT Organics) recalled one of its products on Tuesday due to the potential presence of soft plastic in the final product. Only one flavor of the brand was affected by the recall: banana and strawberry puree in 113 g (4 oz) pouches. The Oregon-based company voluntarily recalled the product due to the presence of food-grade soft plastic, caused by an internal packaging defect. The banana and strawberry variety was sold exclusively at Kroger, Meijer, and Target stores nationwide from March 3, 2026, to July 13, 2026.
HealthChildren's fruit pouches recalled over possible presence of plastic
An "internal packaging defect" is to blame, according to the recall notice.
HealthWalmart Withdraws Taylor Farms Iceberg Lettuce Bags in Several States
Walmart announced that its stores in several states are withdrawing certain bags of iceberg lettuce from Taylor Fresh Foods after the brand expanded its voluntary recall of lettuce products sourced from central Mexico, due to a possible link to a multistate Cyclospora outbreak. According to the recall notice from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the lettuce was distributed across various states, including through food service and retail segments. The recall indicates that some retailers sold 12 and 24-ounce bags of iceberg salad and 8 and 16-ounce bags of shredded lettuce, with 'best by' dates ranging from July 16 to August 3. The FDA did not provide a list of retailers. A July 18 post on Walmart's 'Food Recalls' website indicated that some of the lettuce products were sold in retail locations across 15 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. Overall, the voluntarily recalled Taylor Farms products were primarily distributed through food service in over two dozen states, and the CDC initially warned consumers to avoid eating the shredded lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. A complete list of states included in the Taylor Farms recall is available. The recall announcement included 25 shredded lettuce and salad mix products sold under eight different brand codes. The recalled products were shipped as recently as July 16 and have 'best by' dates up to August 3. The full list can be found here. Sysco, the largest food distributor in the country, suspended the distribution of all Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce products sourced from Mexico and instructed its customers to destroy them. On July 18, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advised consumers not to eat the recalled Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce from Mexico, which 'may be sold in retail stores or restaurants.' 'If you purchased the recalled lettuce, dispose of it or return it to the store. If you are unsure of the lettuce's origin, ask at the restaurant,' the CDC stated. Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that contaminates food that has been in contact with human feces, most often when agricultural products are irrigated or washed with contaminated water. When ingested, the parasite causes intestinal illness marked by 'frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements,' according to the CDC. In 2026, Cyclospora has sickened at least 1,645 people in the United States and hospitalized 141, according to the CDC, which is investigating over 5,000 additional illnesses that could be related to the parasite. By this time last year, only 249 cases had been reported. It was unclear whether other retailers had removed Taylor Farms lettuce products from their shelves. NBC Chicago reached out to Target and the parent companies of Jewel-Osco and Mariano’s for this report.
HealthOperation Border Health kicks off with free medical services across the Valley
Operation Border Health began on Friday and will run until July 23, providing free medical services throughout the four counties of the Rio Grande Valley. Parents of student-athletes can receive free sports physicals as the new school year approaches. Sulema Solis, Director of Health Services for PSJA Independent School District, emphasized the importance of bringing medications for better assessment. The initiative offers various medical and dental services for all ages, and veterinary services for pets are available in Starr and Willacy counties. Locations include Cameron County Veterans Memorial High School in Brownsville and PSJA Early College High School in San Juan, among others.
HealthAddiction recovery nonprofit launching Valley mission
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A nonprofit organization aiming to help people overcome addictions across the nation is launching its operations here in the Valley. Transformations Program USA is set to open a recovery home in Harlingen to help anyone across the Rio Grande Valley. "We're not testing this out; the program works. I know it
HealthBeyond the Barn: What the Return of New World Screwworm Means for Human Health
The New World screwworm has returned to the U.S. after 44 years, raising concerns for livestock and human health. This parasitic blowfly larva, which feeds on living tissue, has spread from Central America. Experts from Texas A&M emphasize the importance of public education, especially for those at risk, including agricultural workers and individuals with chronic wounds. They recommend immediate cleaning and covering of any injuries to prevent infestation. Warning signs include severe pain and foul-smelling discharge. The USDA and Texas Animal Health Commission are monitoring the situation and promoting good wound hygiene as the best defense against this parasite.
HealthRFK Jr.: Cyclospora outbreak 'under control'; Mexico questions link to alleged source
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated on Tuesday that the cyclospora outbreak was 'under control,' even as health authorities continue to seek answers as to why thousands of people in the United States have fallen ill. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initially linked the outbreak—primarily causing severe diarrhea—to chopped iceberg lettuce from a Taylor Farms facility in central Mexico. However, the FDA later dismissed this connection, although experts remain vigilant. Meanwhile, Mexico's Health Secretary David Kershenobich asserted on Tuesday during a press conference that his country's investigation found no evidence that the outbreak originated there.
HealthAllergy medication recalled over potentially 'life-threatening' cross-contamination
Some consumers may have a hypersensitivity to the possible contaminate, officials warn.
HealthValley cities qualify for the Blue Zones community health project
MISSION, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A global initiative to make healthier choices easier and more accessible for communities is one step closer to coming to the Rio Grande Valley. The founder of Blue Zones, Dan Buettner, discovered five regions around the world where people were living better and longer lives than anyone else on the planet.
HealthFree medical services to be offered during Operation Border Health in Valley
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Residents can get a variety of free health and veterinary services during Operation Border Health events happening across the Valley this week. The events are happening in all four Valley counties from Tuesday, July 21, through Thursday, July 23. Cameron County In Cameron County, the event will take place from 8 a.m.
HealthLaredo Public Health Department reports 7 cases of cyclospora
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Laredo Public Health Department has confirmed seven cases of cyclospora in Webb County. According to a spokesperson for the Laredo Public Health Department, no confirmed hospitalizations have been associated with the cases. Cyclospora is a parasite that infects the small intestine and is linked to fresh produce, causing serious symptoms such