Health
Health news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
HealthWeslaco launches healthcare coalition ahead of hurricane season
Weslaco has initiated its first healthcare coalition to enhance emergency preparedness as hurricane season approaches. The coalition, formed by the Weslaco Office of Emergency Management, includes healthcare providers, mental health experts, and local leaders. During their inaugural meeting, they focused on improving services for residents before, during, and after emergencies, identifying medical needs, and strengthening healthcare connections. Mayor Adrian Gonzalez emphasized the importance of having a coordinated plan for evacuations during disasters. Additionally, the city plans to host an annual hurricane kickoff event in mid-June to educate residents on hurricane preparedness in the Rio Grande Valley.
HealthNurse gives back to fellow veterans at VA Health Care Center in Harlingen
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Jeremiah Conde's journey to becoming a nurse began when he initially was a pre-med student at Texas A&M University and wanted to work in surgery. That all quickly changed after the events of Sept. 11. He decided to enlist in the Air Force, seeking a medical position. Conde went in as
HealthDriscoll Children Hospital RGV discusses impact of KRGVCares Closet campaign
The KRGVCares Closet campaign is returning for its third year, aiming to support children in local hospitals by providing toys and comfort items. Driscoll Children's Hospital of the Rio Grande Valley, represented by spokesperson Sergio Gudino, emphasizes the campaign's positive impact on young patients. The initiative raises funds to purchase toys, arts and crafts supplies, and stuffed animals for hospitalized children. KRGV is actively promoting the campaign through its broadcasts, encouraging viewers to contribute financially. All donations will directly benefit children at Driscoll Children's Hospital and South Texas Health System Children's Hospital.
HealthConsumer Reports: Are DIY lead test kits worth it?
Concerns about lead in household items have led many to consider do-it-yourself lead test kits. Consumer Reports evaluated eleven popular kits to assess their reliability. While these kits effectively detected high levels of lead, they struggled with lower levels that could still pose risks. In some instances, kits failed to identify lead in known contaminated toys, highlighting the potential for false negatives. To minimize lead exposure, especially for children, experts recommend avoiding vintage toys and opting for newer products. For thorough testing, sending items to a certified lab is advised, as these kits are intended for preliminary screening only.
HealthCelebrate Mom with a Health Check: DHR Health’s “Mammos for Moms” Mammogram Screening Special
DHR Health is offering a special screening program called 'Mammos for Moms' to promote women's health and early detection of breast cancer. Running until June 30, 2026, this program provides digital 3D mammograms for just $99, with a required referral from a healthcare provider. Early detection through mammograms is essential for effective treatment, especially in the Rio Grande Valley, where breast cancer is a major health issue. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends that women with average risk begin screening at age 40, but those with higher risk factors may need to start earlier.
HealthBrownsville Appoints New Assistant Director for Department of Health, Wellness and Animal Services
The City of Brownsville has appointed Joanna Medina as the new Assistant Director for the Department of Health, Wellness and Animal Services. With 14 years of experience in various roles within the city, Medina has a strong background in human resources and animal services. Previously, she served as a Human Resources Business Partner, focusing on employee engagement and organizational strategy. Medina played a significant role in community outreach and was part of the team that achieved a Guinness World Record for Brownsville Animal Services in December 2022. In her new position, she aims to enhance public health and animal welfare initiatives.
HealthFrench hantavirus patient is critically ill, on an artificial lung as total cases grow to 11
A French woman infected with hantavirus from a cruise ship is in critical condition at Bichat Hospital in Paris, relying on an artificial lung for support. The outbreak has reached 11 cases, with 9 confirmed, and three fatalities, including a Dutch couple believed to be the first infected. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the outbreak is contained to cruise passengers and crew, with no signs of a larger epidemic. Argentina is sending experts to investigate the source, as the Dutch couple may have contracted the virus during a bird-watching tour in South America. Evacuations of passengers and crew from the MV Hondius have been completed, with all individuals now in quarantine.
HealthNational Nurses Week: Clara Rodriguez
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — As National Nurses Week continues, ValleyCentral is highlighting Clara Rodriguez, a wound-care coordinator for the Veterans Affairs Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System. "Just knowing how much care and how much effort goes into treating those patients, the love, the comfort that those nurses showed, I just thought, 'Oh my
HealthAt High Speed, AI Can Breach Your Passwords: Here's How to Strengthen Them
The constant stream of news about security breaches on various websites and platforms serves as a reminder, now more than ever, of the importance of protecting passwords. There is also growing concern about the ability of artificial intelligence to guess passwords at unprecedented speeds. Carolina Palomo emphasizes that she takes great care in protecting her passwords. 'I always write them down in a little notebook, where I keep my password locked up,' she said. Palomo explained that she prefers this method and frequently changes her passwords, also using a strategy that is difficult to decipher.
HealthHistoric First: DHR Health Earns National Epilepsy Accreditation
DHR Health's Epilepsy Center in Edinburg has achieved national accreditation from the National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC), marking a significant milestone as the first accredited facility south of San Antonio and Houston. This prestigious recognition highlights the center's commitment to providing top-tier, multidisciplinary care for epilepsy patients, including specialized neurosurgeons and an ABRET-certified EEG lab. The center aims to enhance seizure control, particularly for those with drug-resistant epilepsy, by offering advanced diagnostics, surgical options, and expert care teams. This accreditation reflects the center's adherence to rigorous standards in patient care and outcomes.
HealthPopular Snacks Recalled Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination
Dozens of snacks and popular treats are part of a significant market recall due to salmonella, as a specific ingredient poses potential contamination risks. This has led to the removal of multiple products from supermarket shelves, including popcorn, chips, nuts, and others. The recall is linked to powdered milk supplied by California Dairies, which is used in various branded products and snacks, particularly in seasonings. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the potentially contaminated powdered milk and whey were voluntarily recalled on April 20. As of Friday, at least a dozen products related to the recall have been affected, although more may be announced. In most cases, the products were sold at retailers and supermarkets nationwide. The FDA also recently announced a separate salmonella recall affecting 12 varieties of the popular Spring & Mulberry chocolate, although it appeared to be linked to a date supplier. It was not immediately clear if there was any connection to the California Dairies recall.
HealthPharr and Alton to spray for mosquitoes after heavy rain
PHARR, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Following heavy rain across the Rio Grande Valley over the weekend, the cities of Pharr and Alton announced that workers will spray for mosquitoes. According to a news release from the city of Pharr, the public health department will conduct routine mosquito spraying on Monday from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., weather
HealthWhat to know about hantavirus, the illness linked to a cruise ship outbreak
An outbreak of hantavirus on the MV Hondius cruise ship has resulted in three deaths and several illnesses among passengers. Health officials assert that the risk to the general public is low, as hantavirus does not spread easily between people. The Andes virus, responsible for this outbreak, may have originated from a birdwatching trip in Ushuaia, Argentina. Symptoms of hantavirus include fever, chills, and muscle aches, and can escalate to severe respiratory issues. While infections are rare, the CDC reported 229 cases and 59 deaths in the Americas in 2025. Preventive measures focus on reducing contact with rodents and their droppings.
HealthMcAllen Pregnancy Center Appoints Connie W. Coleman as CEO
The McAllen Pregnancy Center has appointed Connie W. Coleman as its permanent Chief Executive Officer, following her interim leadership since August 2025. Coleman, a well-known nonprofit consultant and pro-life advocate, has been instrumental in strengthening the organization’s operations, strategic planning, and donor development in the Rio Grande Valley. The Board of Directors unanimously approved her appointment after a thorough evaluation process. Board President Justice Ysmael Fonseca expressed enthusiasm for Coleman’s leadership, emphasizing her experience and vision as vital for the Center's growth and outreach to vulnerable community members.
HealthFamily Mourns Kevin in Mexico After Losing Battle with Cancer
The pain of a family crosses borders following the death of 18-year-old Kevin González, who passed away on Sunday in Durango, Mexico, after a battle with colon cancer. His death occurred on Mother's Day, less than 24 hours after reuniting with his parents, whom he had not seen for weeks as his health deteriorated. His parents traveled for hours and faced obstacles, including detention in Arizona after crossing the border, in an attempt to reach Chicago to care for him. They finally managed to reunite with him in Durango on Saturday. The young man had been diagnosed with colon cancer in January, and within just four months, the disease progressed rapidly. His brother, Jovany Ramírez, recalled their last moments together. 'When I said I love you, that I miss you, that I want my little brother to wake up, I said that too, and it was then when... I saw him face down,' Ramírez said.
HealthDHR Health Hosts Third Annual Symposium Focused on Wound Care Treatment
DHR Health hosted its third annual wound care symposium on May 9 at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance. The event gathered healthcare professionals, including physicians and nurses, to discuss standards and evidence-based practices for treating difficult wounds. Dr. Noel Oliveira, director of the Wound Care Center, noted that this year's symposium focused exclusively on wound care, a shift from previous years that covered broader medical topics. Notable speakers included Dr. Jayesh Shah, former president of the Texas Medical Association, and Dr. Lawrence Lavery, a podiatric medicine expert from UT San Antonio.
Health3 cruise passengers test positive or have symptoms of hantavirus after evacuation
A French woman and two Americans tested positive or showed symptoms of hantavirus Monday as nations around the world scrambled to repatriate passengers from a cruise ship hit by an outbreak and quarantine or isolate them.
HealthU.S. Passengers from Hantavirus-Affected Cruise Have Arrived in the U.S.
Seventeen American passengers from the Hondius cruise, affected by hantavirus, have returned to the U.S. A State Department plane landed at Eppley Airport in Omaha, Nebraska, around 2:30 a.m. on Monday. Passengers will be evaluated and monitored at a nearby medical center. One passenger tested positive for the virus, while another with mild symptoms will be transferred for treatment. Spanish health authorities reported that the positive result was considered weak and inconclusive. Meanwhile, a French passenger repatriated to Paris has also tested positive, worsening overnight in the hospital. The cruise had six confirmed cases and two suspected cases of hantavirus.
HealthOne person in the U.S. tests positive for hantavirus after disembarking from affected cruise
A U.S. passenger aboard a cruise ship has tested positive for hantavirus, prompting health officials to take action. The individual was among 17 Americans evacuated from the MV Hondius, which docked in the Canary Islands. One passenger is asymptomatic, while another has mild symptoms. They were flown to Nebraska for evaluation at a specialized medical center. A French woman evacuated from the same cruise also tested positive and is in serious condition. The World Health Organization has advised close monitoring of all passengers, emphasizing that the general public should not panic, as the risk of transmission is low.