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Health news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.

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Heart of the Valley: STHS Wound Center helping treat diabetic patients

KRGV (NBC 5) · May 1, 2026
Health

Ghirardelli Recalls Certain Powdered Drink Mixes Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination

The Ghirardelli Chocolate Company has voluntarily recalled certain powdered drink mixes due to potential salmonella contamination, according to an announcement posted on the FDA's website. The recall stems from a powdered milk recall initiated by California Dairies, Inc., over concerns that the milk powder may be contaminated with salmonella. This powdered milk was supplied to a third-party manufacturer and used as an ingredient in the drink mixes, according to statements from both the FDA and Ghirardelli. Most of the affected products were distributed to restaurants, food service industry clients, and other institutional customers. However, some consumers may have purchased them online. "Neither we, nor our third-party manufacturer, nor the powdered milk supplier have received any reports of illnesses or injuries related to this issue to date. Additionally, our own rigorous testing has not identified any affected powdered drink mixes," Ghirardelli stated in a recall alert on its website. The company noted that it has already removed a significant portion of the affected drink mixes and is working with partners to return or dispose of potentially contaminated products.

Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) · Apr 30, 2026
Health

Infant Formula in the U.S. is 'Safe,' According to FDA Analysis

A new analysis of chemical substances in infant formula available in the United States has found reassuringly low levels of heavy metals, pesticides, and other potential contaminants, federal health officials reported on Wednesday. The review was conducted as part of the FDA’s Operation Stork Speed project, described as the 'largest and most rigorous' to date. The agency concluded that the infant formula supply is 'safe,' according to FDA officials and external experts. 'There’s no reason not to use any formula available' in the U.S., said Dr. Steven Abrams, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Texas at Austin, who reviewed the findings. FDA officials tested over 300 samples of commercial infant formula between 2023 and 2025 for heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury. They also screened for pesticides, plastic-related chemicals known as phthalates, and PFAS, sometimes referred to as 'forever chemicals.' The agency reported that contaminant levels were either undetectable or very low. Detected heavy metals were well below limits set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for drinking water, and 99% of samples showed no traces of pesticides. Additionally, the FDA found no detections for 25 of the 30 PFAS compounds analyzed.

Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) · Apr 30, 2026
Health

The push for raw milk intensifies in 18 states despite a series of outbreaks

KRGV (NBC 5) · Apr 29, 2026
Health

Blue Cross Blue Shield Settlement Payments of $2.67 Billion: What You Need to Know

Blue Cross Blue Shield subscribers may soon receive a check in the mail as part of a significant $2.67 billion settlement reached after years of litigation. The settlement, dating back to October 2020, alleged that the company violated antitrust laws by limiting competition among Blue Cross health insurance plans. Blue Cross denied all accusations of wrongdoing, maintaining that its decisions led to lower healthcare costs and greater access to health services. In addition to the settlement fund, the company agreed to implement 'changes in the way it conducts business' in a manner that, according to the plaintiffs, will increase competition in health insurance markets. According to the settlement administrator, the agreement has received final approval, and the initial distribution of payments will begin next month.

Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) · Apr 29, 2026
Health

De La Cruz Leads Bipartisan Bill Targeting Fentanyl Deaths on College Campuses

Texas Border Business Texas Border Business WASHINGTON — Monica De La Cruz introduced the bipartisan Saving Lives on Campuses Act with Lou Correa, aiming to reduce overdose deaths among college students by requiring public colleges and universities to maintain opioid overdose rescue kits, including Narcan, on campus. Fentanyl overdose is the leading cause of death

Texas Border Business · Apr 29, 2026
Health

Teen Vaping: The Risk Many Parents May Be Overlooking

Health experts are raising alarms about the dangers of e-cigarette use among minors, noting that while the overall number of users has declined, younger individuals are increasingly starting to use these products. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), no tobacco product is safe, and specialists warn that vaping can lead to rapid addiction. Dr. Carlos Medina, a family physician, explained that one of the biggest risks is the unknown content of these devices, stating, 'Sometimes they contain nicotine... but they may also contain marijuana or other substances... that's what's dangerous, especially when you don't know what's inside.' Additionally, side effects can be more severe in minors. 'It can cause sweating, rapid heartbeat, loss of color, vomiting... and in some cases even seizures,' he warned. The expert emphasized that young brains are more susceptible to addiction, explaining, 'It causes more addiction in kids... the brain doesn't fully develop until age 25.' Given this situation, he advises parents to talk openly with their children and 'especially discuss the risks of e-cigarettes,' he said. In Texas, since 2023, students caught using vape devices on school property can face immediate expulsion if the devices contain nicotine or THC. Furthermore, possession of these products by minors is illegal, and new restrictions targeting youth-oriented designs of these devices have been implemented as of September 2025. This article was originally reported for broadcast by Telemundo 40. Artificial intelligence tools assisted in creating the digital version, and a Telemundo Digital journalist edited the article for publication.

Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) · Apr 29, 2026
Health

Investigation underway after confirmed measles case reported in Cameron County

KRGV (NBC 5) · Apr 29, 2026
Health

CDC warns of drug-resistant salmonella infections linked to backyard poultry

KRGV (NBC 5) · Apr 29, 2026
Health

Cameron County confirms a case of measles in the area

KRGV (NBC 5) · Apr 29, 2026
Health

Region One to host community mental health event in Edinburg

KRGV (NBC 5) · Apr 29, 2026
Health

Planned Parenthood offers sex education resources at Clinica Festival

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Organizers with Planned Parenthood South Texas gathered in Brownsville on Tuesday to host a community reproductive healthcare event. Clinica Festival is a bi-annual event that aims to expand access to sexual and reproductive healthcare across the Rio Grande Valley and beyond. "Everyone is welcome here at Planned Parenthood," said Marisol Medina, Planned

ValleyCentral (KGBT) · Apr 28, 2026
Health

Cameron County Public Health confirms a case of measles in the area

KRGV (NBC 5) · Apr 28, 2026
Health

Cameron County Public Health investigating confirmed case of measles

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Cameron County Public Health Department on Tuesday confirmed that it is investigating a measles case. According to the department, the case was identified in a non-Cameron County resident who had traveled from a state with recent measles cases. It's unclear if the person was vaccinated against measles, the department said.

ValleyCentral (KGBT) · Apr 28, 2026
Health

Cameron County Confirms Measles Case; Investigation Underway

The Cameron County Public Health Department has confirmed a case of measles and launched an investigation to identify potential exposures within the community. Officials clarified that the case involves an individual who does not reside in the county but traveled from another state where recent outbreaks have been reported. It remains unclear whether the patient was vaccinated. Health Administrator Esmeralda Guajardo stated, 'A person with measles is contagious four days before the rash appears and four days afterward; we determined the most infectious period was between April 15 and April 23.' Authorities are currently working in coordination with the Texas Department of State Health Services to locate individuals who may have been exposed to the virus. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease that spreads through direct contact or airborne transmission when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms typically appear one to two weeks after exposure and include: high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a rash that starts on the face and spreads across the body. Health officials urge anyone who suspects exposure to isolate and contact their healthcare provider before visiting a clinic to prevent further spread. The department emphasized that vaccination with two doses of the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella) is the best form of prevention, offering up to 97% protection. Children should receive the first dose between 12 and 15 months of age and the second dose between 4 and 6 years old. The county will continue monitoring the situation and encourages residents to report any suspected cases by calling (956) 247-3650.

Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) · Apr 28, 2026
Health

Baby on Board: Paramedics Assist Passenger in Giving Birth During Delta Flight

Please fasten your seatbelt, secure your tray table, return your seat to its upright position, and prepare for... childbirth? A passenger aboard a Delta Air Lines flight departing from Atlanta gave birth to a 5.5-pound baby girl on Friday, just before the Boeing 737 landed at Portland International Airport in Oregon. Two paramedics, who happened to be traveling on the flight, assisted with the delivery, borrowing blankets from other passengers and using a shoelace to tie off the umbilical cord. Baby Brielle Renee Blair arrived a couple of weeks early, and the plane landed about 20 minutes ahead of schedule. The mother, Ashley Blair, a Tennessee resident, was traveling to Oregon to be with her own mother for the delivery but didn’t make it in time. She went into labor about 30 minutes before the plane reached its destination.

Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) · Apr 28, 2026
Health

UTRGV podiatric clinic in Harlingen combats diabetic foot complications

KRGV (NBC 5) · Apr 28, 2026
Health

Heart of the Valley: Weslaco woman shares her 20-year journey to manage diabetes

KRGV (NBC 5) · Apr 28, 2026
Health

CR Investigation: Energy drinks risky for teens

KRGV (NBC 5) · Apr 28, 2026
Health

Florida Shuts Gates to South Texas Livestock; Miller Warns of Growing Parasite Threat

Texas Border Business AUSTIN — Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller responded to Florida’s emergency rule restricting the import of warm-blooded animals from South Texas counties the state has labeled “high risk” due to their proximity to recent New World screwworm detections in Mexico within 125 miles of the U.S. border.  The following statement may be attributed

Texas Border Business · Apr 27, 2026