Health
Health news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
HealthFour health inspections later, Asian Buffet passes health code
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — To be a Food 4 Thought, ¡QUE RICO! Top Performer, a business must have a routine inspection report with zero health code violations. The married duo of Fly The Flag Coffee poured up a perfect 100 on their Brownsville Health Department inspection report. The Food Patrol surprised Isai Candanoza and Jackie
HealthNew World Screwworm Defense Operations Expanded Along Texas-Mexico Border
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announced the expansion of sterile fly dispersal operations to combat the New World screwworm along the Texas-Mexico border. The new dispersal zone now extends to Maverick County near Eagle Pass, enhancing protections for livestock, wildlife, and pets. Miller emphasized the urgency of this initiative, noting that the screwworm poses a significant threat to animals and the agricultural economy. He urged ranchers, veterinarians, and pet owners to remain vigilant for signs of infestation and report any unusual activity. For more information, visit Screwworm.gov.
HealthDHR Health Earns Another ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade
DHR Health in Edinburg has received an 'A' Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit focused on patient safety. This grade reflects the hospital's commitment to minimizing errors, accidents, and infections. Dr. Manish Singh, CEO of DHR Health, emphasized that this recognition highlights the dedication of their teams to patient care and the importance of safety for the families they serve. The 'A' grade is the highest rating, signifying DHR Health's ongoing commitment to providing quality and safe healthcare to the community.
HealthWhat Has Happened to the Parents of Young Man with Terminal Cancer? A Glimmer of Hope Emerges
In less than 24 hours, the fate of Kevin González's parents could be determined. Kevin, a young man from Chicago with terminal cancer, has one last wish: to see them once more before he dies. He is currently in Durango, Mexico, living with his grandmother after traveling from Chicago following his parents' arrest. They were detained in Arizona after crossing the border with the intention of reuniting with their son and caring for him. Since then, Kevin's health has deteriorated. He is no longer receiving medical treatment and relies solely on his grandmother's care. 'I love you so much, hang in there, sleep, my son, because you don’t sleep all night... and it breaks my heart to see what he is suffering,' said his grandmother, Victoria Amaya. Despite his condition, Kevin found the strength to send a message to federal authorities. 'That they do everything possible to let them out and be with me in my last days,' Kevin said.
HealthDHR Health, Texas A&M School of Law Legal Clinics Launch Unique Medical/Legal Partnership
DHR Health in Edinburg has launched a partnership with the Texas A&M School of Law Legal Clinics to create the Community and Legal-Medical Alliance (CALMA). This initiative aims to assist low-income patients facing legal challenges that affect their health. By providing free legal services in areas such as housing instability and family law, CALMA seeks to address social determinants of health. The program is backed by a grant from the Texas Access to Justice Foundation and managed by the Economic Justice Initiative. This collaboration aims to enhance DHR Health's ability to provide comprehensive care to its patients.
HealthCouple on cruise possibly contracted hantavirus while birdwatching in Argentina
PRAIA, Cape Verde — Two Argentine officials investigating the origins of the hantavirus outbreak on the cruise that departed from southern Argentina say the main hypothesis of the government is that a Dutch couple contracted the virus during a birdwatching excursion in the city of Ushuaia, before boarding. They indicated that the couple visited a landfill during the birdwatching tour, where they may have been exposed to rodents carrying the infection. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media, as the investigation is still ongoing. Previously, authorities had stated that neither Ushuaia nor the surrounding province of Tierra del Fuego had ever recorded a case of hantavirus.
HealthThree Patients Evacuated from Cruise Ship with Hantavirus Outbreak; Another Case Confirmed in Switzerland
A hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship, anchored off Cape Verde with nearly 150 people aboard, has led to the evacuation of three patients, including the ship's doctor. Three passengers have died, and others have fallen ill. The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that the virus strain identified can rarely be transmitted between people. Meanwhile, a Swiss man who traveled on the cruise has tested positive for the virus after returning home. The ship is expected to head to the Canary Islands for further medical assistance, despite concerns from local authorities about potential risks to the population.
HealthThousands of Cans: Baby Formula Recalled Due to Possible Contamination
Approximately 16,000 cans of infant formula have been recalled due to potential contamination with a toxin that could cause illness, according to the FDA. The a2 Milk Company from Colorado initiated a voluntary recall of three batches of its a2 Platinum Premium USA formula, intended for children 12 months and younger. The toxin, cereulide, is produced by certain strains of Bacillus cereus bacteria. Symptoms may appear within 30 minutes to six hours after consumption, primarily gastrointestinal issues. Although no illnesses have been reported, the FDA warns that infants are at higher risk. Consumers are advised to stop using the product and return it for a refund.
HealthSpain to Host Hantavirus-Infected Cruise Ship in the Canary Islands
Spain will host a luxury cruise ship with a deadly hantavirus outbreak in the Canary Islands at the request of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 'compliance with International Law and humanitarian spirit,' according to the Ministry of Health. Spain has also accepted a formal request from the Dutch government to accommodate a doctor from the MV Hondius cruise ship, who is in serious condition and will be immediately transferred to the Canary Islands by air ambulance. The Spanish government will announce the details of the protocol for accommodating the cruise ship as soon as they are defined by the WHO and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and will provide updates on its implementation, according to Health officials. The MV Hondius is currently anchored in Cape Verde, where a team of WHO epidemiologists is conducting an assessment on board to determine the next steps. According to the vessel tracking site MarineTraffic, the Hondius has not moved since Monday morning. The epidemiologists aim to assess the health status of the 147 people on board, which includes 14 Spaniards, among them five Catalans, three Madrileños, one Galician, and one Valencian, who are reportedly in good health. The WHO has reported that seven people are affected by the outbreak of this virus, which is typically transmitted from rats to humans through direct contact with the rodents or their droppings. Among the cases, two have been confirmed in the laboratory, with three fatalities and one person in critical condition in South Africa.
HealthTwo Popular Potato Chip Brands Recalled Due to Possible Salmonella
Two popular brands of potato chips have been recalled, affecting several flavors, due to concerns that some of their ingredients may be contaminated with salmonella. The voluntary recall, issued on May 4 by Utz Quality Foods, affects a range of potato chip varieties from the Zapp’s and Dirty brands, according to a press release from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the seasoning for the chips—which contains powdered milk—could potentially contain salmonella. The FDA stated that the recall was conducted 'out of an abundance of caution,' as the affected seasoning batches tested negative. However, the contaminated powdered milk—sourced from a third party—had already led to other recalls, including frozen pizzas and pork cracklings.
HealthHantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship: WHO Suspects Person-to-Person Transmission
A cruise ship carrying nearly 150 passengers is currently stranded in the Atlantic Ocean due to a hantavirus outbreak, with two crew members awaiting evacuation for treatment. The World Health Organization (WHO) suspects rare person-to-person transmission of the virus, as three deaths have been reported alongside two confirmed and five suspected cases. The ship, Hondius, is off the coast of Praia, Cape Verde, after being denied docking permission. The Dutch government is organizing the evacuation, while Spain is sending epidemiologists to assess onboard health. Strict isolation protocols are in place for the 88 passengers and 59 crew members.
HealthA suspected outbreak of the rare hantavirus on a cruise ship in the Atlantic kills 3 people
A suspected hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship in the Atlantic has resulted in three deaths, including an elderly couple, and at least three others falling ill, according to the World Health Organization and South Africa's Department of Health. The ship, which departed Argentina three weeks ago, is currently anchored off Cape Verde. One patient is in intensive care in Johannesburg, while two crew members are receiving urgent medical attention. Approximately 150 passengers were onboard during the outbreak, and investigations are ongoing to assess the public health risk and provide support to those affected.
HealthRetired Valley teacher speaks on reduced health care premiums
Retired teachers in the Valley are facing financial challenges, particularly with health care costs. Governor Greg Abbott has instructed the Teacher Retirement System of Texas to explore options for lowering health insurance premiums. Sanjuanita Lopez-Handy, president of the Magic Valley Retired School Personnel Association and a former teacher of 35 years, highlighted the burden of rising medical expenses as retirees often need more frequent doctor visits. The governor noted that last year, retirees received reduced premiums ranging from $720 to $4,800 annually. The board will discuss further reductions for the TRS-Care Medicare Advantage plan in their July meeting, potentially easing financial strain for many retirees.
HealthSupreme Court restores access to abortion pill mifepristone through telehealth, mail and pharmacies
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Monday restored broad access to the abortion pill mifepristone, blocking a ruling that had threatened to upend one of the main ways abortion is provided across the nation. The order signed by Justice Samuel Alito temporarily allows women seeking abortions to obtain the pill at pharmacies or through
HealthRudy Giuliani is recovering from pneumonia and is now breathing on his own, his spokesperson reported
NEW YORK — Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani is suffering from pneumonia and remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition, his spokesperson reported on Monday, hours after news broke that the Republican, who has been disbarred, was hospitalized. Spokesperson Ted Goodman stated that Giuliani is now breathing on his own and that his family is by his side. 'Please continue to send your prayers,' Goodman requested. This health update comes hours after President Donald Trump posted a message on social media confirming that his former advisor had been hospitalized.
HealthSupreme Court Restores Mail Delivery of Abortion Pill Mifepristone for One Week
The U.S. Supreme Court has temporarily reinstated broad access to the abortion pill mifepristone, blocking a recent ruling that threatened its availability. This order, signed by Justice Samuel Alito, allows women seeking abortions to obtain the pill via pharmacies or by mail without an in-person doctor's visit. The ruling comes after a federal appeals court imposed new restrictions last week. Mifepristone, often used with misoprostol, is a common method for abortions in the U.S. The order will remain in effect for one week while both sides present their arguments, as the Court examines the issue further.
HealthWhat is hantavirus, the possible cause of an outbreak on a cruise ship that has left three dead
A hantavirus outbreak aboard a cruise ship has resulted in three deaths and several illnesses. Hantaviruses, which have existed for centuries, can cause severe respiratory issues and have been linked to outbreaks in Asia and Europe. The virus is primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their droppings. Symptoms can resemble the flu, including fever and muscle aches, and can escalate to severe respiratory distress. While there is no specific treatment, early medical attention can improve survival rates. The World Health Organization is investigating the outbreak, with ongoing laboratory tests and epidemiological studies.
HealthThree Dead from Suspected Hantavirus Outbreak on Atlantic Cruise Ship
Three passengers, including a married couple, have died aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship in the Atlantic due to a suspected hantavirus outbreak, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Laboratory tests confirmed one case of hantavirus infection, with five additional suspected cases. Among the six affected individuals, three have died, and one is in intensive care in South Africa. The ship, which departed from southern Argentina three weeks ago, had around 150 tourists onboard. The South African Ministry of Health is conducting contact tracing and stated that only two patients from the cruise are within their borders, urging the public not to panic.
HealthFormer New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani Hospitalized
Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City, is hospitalized in critical condition, as confirmed by his spokesperson on Sunday. Ted Goodman stated that the 81-year-old Giuliani is currently in the hospital, where he is in critical but stable condition. Goodman described Giuliani as a fighter who has faced every challenge in his life with unwavering strength and is now battling with that same resilience. He urged the public to join in prayer for Giuliani, referred to as the mayor of the United States. This is a developing story and will be updated with more information.