Health
Health news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
HealthVA Whole Health Creative Arts & Wellness Event Continues August 27
The City of Edinburg and the Department of Veterans Affairs are hosting a free wellness event for local veterans on August 27, 2026, from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM at the Edinburg Arts, Culture, and Events Center. This event emphasizes a holistic approach to healthcare, focusing on personal goals and well-being rather than just medical issues. Attendees will have access to interactive wellness activities and representatives from various support services, including the Hidalgo County Community Service Agency and Texas Veterans Commission. Veterans are encouraged to participate and take charge of their wellness journey.
HealthThyroid Pills Recalled Due to Potential 'Super Potency' and Risk of Hyperthyroidism
Pharmaceutical company Vitruvias Therapeutics Inc. has issued a nationwide voluntary recall of a thyroid medication after it was found that the tablets could be 'super potent'; the pills, intended to treat hypothyroidism, could lead to hyperthyroidism if taken. The recall applies to lot 504950 of 30 mg thyroid tablets that were prescribed to patients. According to a statement from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Vitruvias Therapeutics is 'proactively notifying its wholesalers via email and phone to suspend distribution of the product.' The company indicated it is coordinating the destruction of the recalled tablets but warned patients not to stop taking the medication without consulting their doctor first. The tablets were distributed nationwide from January 31, 2025, to September 30, 2025. A complete description of the recalled product and its label can be found below. Product NDC Lot Expiration Date Units Released Units Sold First Distribution Date Last Distribution Date Thyroid Tablets, USP 30 mg 69680-166-00 504950 09/30/2026 3,655 1,955 01/31/2025 09/30/2025 The recall comes weeks after another recall was issued for levothyroxine sodium tablets, a prescription thyroid medication from Major Pharmaceuticals, after some pills were found to be 'subpotent,' containing less active ingredients. Taking super potent thyroid tablets can lead to hyperactivity of the thyroid, the announcement stated, causing various adverse health effects, including heat intolerance, fatigue, nervousness, muscle weakness, hypertension, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, or heart rhythm disturbances. The population at higher risk includes elderly patients and pregnant individuals, as excessive levels of thyroid hormones can lead to heart problems and higher rates of maternal-fetal complications. According to the manufacturer, no adverse or harmful health events related to this recall have been reported.
HealthTwo Unvaccinated Patients Die from Measles in Pennsylvania, First Deaths in 35 Years
The Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed two deaths from measles among unvaccinated residents, marking the first fatalities from the disease in 35 years. Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen emphasized that measles had been largely eradicated in the state and urged residents to get vaccinated, stating that the MMR vaccine is safe and provides the best protection. Both deceased individuals were from Lancaster County. So far this year, 393 measles cases have been reported across 28 counties in Pennsylvania. Measles is highly contagious and can lead to severe health complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis.
HealthModerna and Merck Report Positive Phase 3 Results for Personalized Cancer Therapy
Moderna and Merck have announced promising Phase 3 results for their personalized mRNA cancer therapy, intismeran autogene, when used alongside Keytruda (pembrolizumab) for patients with high-risk melanoma. This treatment aims to enhance the immune system's ability to identify and combat cancer cells tailored to individual tumor characteristics. Moderna's CEO, Stéphane Bancel, indicated that they are progressing towards regulatory discussions and preparing to share detailed findings with the medical community. The study showed a significant improvement in patients with completely resected Stage IIB-IV melanoma compared to those receiving only Keytruda, although the FDA has yet to approve the therapy.
HealthSan Perlita ISD closes campuses, offices due to rapid COVID-19 spread
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — San Perlita Independent School District announced Monday that it will cancel school operations for two days due to a rapid spread of COVID-19 within the district. According to a news release, the district will close all campuses and offices on Tuesday, Aug. 25 and Wednesday, Aug. 26, as a precautionary measure to
HealthSan Perlita ISD Suspends Classes for Two Days Due to Increase in COVID-19 Cases
The San Perlita Independent School District (San Perlita ISD) announced the temporary suspension of all school operations for Tuesday, August 25, and Wednesday, August 26, 2026. The decision was made as a precautionary measure following a rapid spread of COVID-19 within the school community, aimed at protecting the health of students, staff, and families. During these two days, all district campuses and administrative offices will remain closed. According to the official statement, school and operational activities will resume as usual on Thursday, August 27, 2026. District authorities indicated they will continue to monitor the epidemiological situation to provide updates to parents and guardians. They also expressed gratitude for the understanding and cooperation of the school community in maintaining a safe environment.
HealthClancy Case Highlights Postpartum Psychosis: Mother Shares Her Story of Hope
Bridget María Chesterton, a mother from near Buffalo, New York, shared her experience with postpartum psychosis, a severe mental health disorder that affects 1 to 2 in every 1,000 women after childbirth. Her story gained attention following the case of Lindsay Clancy, who was charged with murdering her three children. Chesterton faced a mental health crisis two weeks after giving birth, losing touch with reality. With medication and family support, she recovered and aims to raise awareness about this often-misunderstood condition. She emphasizes the importance of support networks for new mothers and encourages open conversations about mental health.
HealthHouston company recalls jalapeño avocado dressing over possible Salmonella risk
Houston-based Salata Dressings is recalling jalapeño product due to potential Salmonella contamination. In our link, where it's been sold and how to get your refund.
HealthDog Food Canned in the U.S. Recalled Due to Possible Metal Contamination
Fromm Family Foods has announced a recall of nearly 6,000 cans of wet dog food due to potential metal contamination. The recall includes 3,852 cans of Fromm Turkey Pâté and 1,973 cans of Fromm Diner Classics Milo's Meatloaf Pâté, distributed across pet stores and online retailers in the U.S. and Canada. The company initiated the recall after receiving reports of contamination and has implemented corrective measures. Pet owners are advised to stop feeding their dogs the affected products and consult a veterinarian if symptoms arise. Affected products can be returned to the place of purchase for a refund.
HealthShark attack survivor returns to SPI for DHR Health Outdoor Medicine Conference
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — DHR Health presented a conference at South Padre Island on Friday about outdoor medical emergencies. The conference welcomed Rio Grande Valley health care leaders and guest speakers, including keynote speaker Tabatha Sullivent, the North Texas woman whose calf was bitten off by a shark on South Padre Island in 2024. The
HealthOG Anunoby, Knicks star, helps cats and shares message for pet owners
OG Anunoby, star of the New York Knicks and NBA champion, has revealed his love for cats and is advocating for their health. After helping cats find homes in New York, he partnered with Royal Canin and VCA Animal Hospitals to encourage cat owners to take their pets for annual veterinary check-ups. Anunoby emphasized the importance of preventive care, comparing it to the medical attention professional athletes receive. He also shared his commitment to improving his game during the offseason, aiming to become a more complete player. Although he doesn't currently own a cat due to his busy schedule, he hopes to adopt one in the future.
HealthAlfalfa Sprouts Linked to Foodborne Illnesses in the U.S.
Health officials in Minnesota have linked an outbreak of E. coli and salmonella to certain brands of alfalfa sprouts, warning consumers to avoid them. So far, 23 individuals have fallen ill, with two requiring hospitalization. Among the cases, three were infected with salmonella, while others had various strains of E. coli. Investigators in Wisconsin have reported an additional 18 cases related to the same sprouts, produced by Everything Sprouts and sold under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brands. Authorities are collaborating to trace the source of the contamination, which is unusual due to the presence of multiple pathogens.
HealthSandra Bullock Breaks Silence After the Death of Her Partner
American actress Sandra Bullock spoke openly about the death of her partner, Bryan Randall, due to ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), revealing that she began to cry four years before his passing. "I wasn’t allowed to talk about it," Bullock said, referring to Randall's diagnosis. "That was the request, and I tried; I respected it," she stated on the podcast "SmartLess," hosted by Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, and Sean Hayes, in an episode accessed by CNN. Randall, who was in a relationship with the actress for eight years, passed away in 2023 at the age of 57. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control muscle movement in the upper and lower body. Individuals with this disease lose control of muscle movement and, over time, the ability to eat, speak, walk, and eventually breathe. "I know why he asked me not to do it," she said about Randall's request to keep his illness a secret, adding that carrying the weight of the diagnosis during the COVID-19 pandemic "isolated me." The Oscar winner revealed that her sister, Gesine Bullock-Prado, was the only one who knew about Randall's diagnosis "for a while," but the actress later decided to share it with her close friends Jennifer Aniston and Amanda Anka, Bateman's wife.
HealthMore than 2 million students use tobacco products: what parents need to know
With the return to school, organizations dedicated to tobacco prevention are encouraging parents, caregivers, and educators to talk to young people about the risks associated with e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. This call comes after more than 2 million high school students in the United States reported using tobacco products in 2025, according to the National Youth Tobacco Survey from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The survey found that 7.2% of students, equivalent to approximately 2.01 million young people, reported using some form of tobacco in the past 30 days. Although tobacco use among youth has significantly decreased in recent years, health advocates point out that the numbers show prevention efforts remain a priority. According to the survey, e-cigarettes continue to be the most commonly used tobacco product among young people, with approximately 1.44 million high school and middle school students reporting current use. Concerns focus not only on how many young people use these products but also on how often they do so. According to the FDA, more than 4 in 10 young e-cigarette users said they vaped on at least 20 of the last 30 days, while more than 1 in 4 reported using them daily.
HealthClear Eyes Drops Recalled Due to Possible Contamination Risk
Nearly 40,000 bottles of a popular eye drop brand are being recalled due to a potential contamination risk. Prestige Consumer Healthcare, based in New York, is voluntarily recalling a single lot of Clear Eyes Maximum Itchy Eye Relief drops due to a 'lack of sterility assurance,' according to a notice from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The recall affects 15 mL bottles with an expiration date of September 30, 2027, and lot code 2552A. The product is described as providing relief from dryness, burning, redness, and other irritations. The FDA classified the recall as Class II, meaning the product may cause temporary or reversible health issues.
HealthShe Refused to Abort the Baby of Another Couple She Carried in Her Womb. Now She Breaks Her Silence
The gestational mother at the center of a legal battle in several states over a baby born with a rare heart condition attempted to 'set the record straight' about her motivations in an opinion piece published in the New York Post on Thursday. McKenna West, a cardiology nurse from Alaska, gave birth last week in Texas to a boy she was carrying on behalf of Omar Ahmed and Nausheen Gilkar. The baby, Rumi, underwent surgery on Monday for a rare congenital heart defect—hypoplastic left heart syndrome—which often requires lifelong medical care. In her article, West stated that, based on her experience as a nurse, she knew the baby she was carrying had a chance of survival through surgery. 'People have called this political theater. It is not,' she wrote. 'This is about giving an innocent child a chance at the life they deserve.'
HealthGreat Health for America launching in Brownsville
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the launch of four Great Health for America pilot programs nationwide. The city of Brownsville is one of the four cities selected to launch the program aimed at preventing chronic disease in children. Pilot programs will also launch in Lake County, Indiana;
HealthWe feel empty: Family of detained Edinburg man speaks out as counseling demand rises
The family of Juan Mejia Contador, an Edinburg man detained by immigration officials, is struggling emotionally as demand for counseling services rises in the community. Contador, a father of four and co-founder of the Contador Mariachi Group, was arrested in La Feria. He initially entered the U.S. illegally in 1996 and re-entered in 1999, later receiving a work permit and Texas driver's license. However, his immigration application was denied due to a previous voluntary departure. His family, including U.S. citizen children, is seeking legal advice while coping with the emotional toll of his detention. Local counseling centers report increased visits from families affected by similar situations.
HealthHidalgo County partners with Pharr to bring back free healthy living course
Hidalgo County Health and Human Services is reintroducing a free healthy living course in Pharr, with registration now open. In collaboration with the city, the Eating Smart Being Active program will focus on nutrition, exercise, and healthy habits. Classes will be held every Tuesday and Thursday evening at the Pharr Discovery and Research Center, starting September 1, 2026. The program is funded by the state health department, following a successful initial session in June that attracted an average of 44 participants. So far, 30 individuals have registered, and walk-ins are encouraged.