Health
Health news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
HealthWeslaco clinic to host back-to-school health fair
The Total Me Health and Wellness Clinic in Weslaco is organizing a free back-to-school health fair on July 25 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 1412 East 8th Street. Attendees will receive free school supplies and can participate in free health screenings, including blood pressure and glucose checks, mental wellness assessments, and body composition scans with immediate results. The event will feature hourly raffles for gift cards, gas cards, and appliances, along with activities for children and complimentary lunch while waiting for test results. For more details, call 956-351-5087.
HealthHidalgo County Health raises awareness on Cyclosporiasis amid national outbreak
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- The Hidalgo County Health and Human Services Department is raising awareness on Cyclosporiasis, a foodborne illness causing an outbreak across the nation. Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal illness linked to fresh produce, causing serious symptoms such as frequent watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, bloating, nausea and fatigue. The illness is
HealthTexas Refers Hospital Birth Tourism Evidence to Attorney General
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission has referred evidence regarding two hospitals in the Rio Grande Valley to the Attorney General's Office. This follows Governor Greg Abbott's directive to investigate maternity packages marketed to foreign nationals. The hospitals involved are Mission Regional Medical Center and Knapp Medical Center. Abbott emphasized that U.S. citizenship is not for sale and that Texas will not tolerate exploitation of its healthcare system. Mission Regional denied any wrongdoing, stating its marketing was intended to inform the community and not promote illegal activities. The hospital has cooperated with the state's review process.
HealthTaco Bell removes certain menu items amid cyclospora outbreak: Reports
Taco Bell is reportedly taking precautions as a parasite continues to sicken thousands of people nationwide.
HealthCDC: Nearly 7,000 Cases of Cyclosporiasis Confirmed or Under Investigation Nationwide
Nearly 7,000 people across the country may have cyclosporiasis, a foodborne illness that can cause weeks of severe diarrhea, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported on Tuesday. Most cases are recorded in Michigan, which has confirmed 3,309 cases on its own. In a health alert, the CDC stated that 1,645 people nationwide have been confirmed to be ill with cyclosporiasis, while another 5,100 cases are under investigation. At least 34 states are reporting cases. The national total lags behind what states report, as the agency must confirm each case. According to the CDC, 141 people have been hospitalized since the first cases were reported in May, and no deaths have been reported.
HealthWhat is an aortic dissection, the cause of Senator Lindsey Graham's death
The aortic tear that likely caused the sudden death of Senator Lindsey Graham is a medical emergency that can quickly kill a person. The aorta is the largest artery in the human body, a highway that runs from the heart and extends through the abdomen, delivering oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body as other arteries branch off from it. What doctors refer to as an aortic dissection occurs when a tear in its inner lining allows blood to rapidly seep between the other layers, according to the American Heart Association. This reduces blood flow to vital organs and can sometimes lead to a rupture that spills blood into surrounding tissues. It is often caused by an aortic aneurysm, a weakened spot in the artery that can bulge.
HealthWoman hospitalized following bee attack in Lyford
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A woman has been taken to the hospital following a bee attack in Lyford, according to the Raymondville Fire Department. At approximately 10:50 a.m., the bee attack was reported after a resident was doing lawn care at a residence on Dario Street, according to Raymondville Fire Chief Oscar Gutierrez. According to a
HealthThis is what might be behind the infection causing 'explosive diarrhea'
With cases of a parasitic infection causing 'explosive diarrhea' rising to thousands in Michigan, health authorities believe they have identified an early clue to a possible source of the outbreak. In a new update on Monday, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported that, while it continues its investigation into the more than 2,600 cases identified so far, 'current findings point to lettuce or leafy greens' as a possible source. However, health authorities noted that 'other foods cannot be completely ruled out' and that 'no specific type of product, farmer, or supplier has been identified as the source.' 'Although we have not identified a definitive product as the origin of the outbreak, we want to inform Michigan residents about what we have learned so far so they can take action to protect their families,' said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, executive medical director of MDHHS, in a statement. 'Preliminary information has shown that lettuce is a common product that frequently appears during the investigation. We will continue to provide updates as we learn more.' Known for causing watery diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain, cyclosporiasis is an infection caused by a parasite typically linked to contaminated food and water. Michigan health authorities stated that, while they usually record only 40-50 cases a year, they have already observed 2,640 in a matter of weeks. 'MDHHS continues to work closely with local health departments to conduct in-depth interviews with individuals who test positive for cyclosporiasis, as well as with other state and federal partners to carry out trace investigations. To date, more than 1,000 interviews have been completed,' the department said in a statement. 'Given the magnitude of the outbreak, the incubation period of up to two weeks for symptoms to develop after exposure, and the complex food distribution networks in the state and nationwide, agencies will take some time to complete their investigation.' While infections can be contracted by swimming in contaminated waters, that transmission is rare, and Michigan health authorities stated that 'it is not a recognized risk factor' and that 'there is currently no evidence linking recreational water activities to this outbreak.' Instead, they have indicated that food exposure remains the primary focus of the most recent outbreak, which has caused cases nationwide, including in Illinois, where more than 150 cases have been reported so far. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported on Friday that 31 states have reported cases of cyclosporiasis and 86 people have been hospitalized.
HealthCyclospora Outbreak Exceeds 3,000 Cases in the U.S.; Origin Still Under Investigation
A cyclospora outbreak, a parasitic disease that causes explosive diarrhea, has sickened more than 3,000 people across 31 states, with Michigan reporting the highest number of cases, according to the latest figures from state health departments. Michigan health authorities updated the number of cyclospora cases on Monday to 2,640, up from 1,562 reported on Friday. The state typically records about 50 cases per year. The state figures far exceed those reported so far by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The agency has confirmed 843 cases, while more than 1,500 additional cases remain under investigation. At least 86 people have been hospitalized due to the illness, according to the CDC. No deaths have been reported. The CDC noted that they are 'aware that states are likely to report a higher number of cases.' This is because states report both confirmed and probable cases, while the CDC only includes confirmed cases in their public figures.
HealthMore Sterile Flies Needed to Combat Cattle Tick, What is Being Done?
The Americas need to produce and release around six hundred million sterile flies each week to contain the spread of the cattle tick between Panama and the United States, six times more than what is currently being generated. This challenge affects Latin America, a region that produces about 28% of the world's beef and between 7% and 10% of milk, meaning the expansion of the pest could have food security consequences beyond the affected livestock areas. In response to the resurgence, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have launched a project to strengthen pest control in Central America, Mexico, and the United States using the sterile insect technique.
HealthU.S. Citizen Working for Humanitarian Organization Tests Positive for Ebola in Congo
A U.S. citizen working for a humanitarian organization in the Democratic Republic of Congo has tested positive for the Ebola virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The patient has been transferred to Germany for treatment as the country faces a rapidly growing outbreak, with 1,830 confirmed cases and 648 deaths reported. The CDC is collaborating with health authorities to prevent further transmission and identify close contacts. The outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus, has been exacerbated by funding shortages and ongoing conflicts in eastern Congo. Clinical trials for treatment have recently begun.
HealthDHR Health Transplant Institute in McAllen earns top state, national rankings
The DHR Health Transplant Institute in McAllen has achieved significant recognition, ranking No. 2 in Texas and No. 16 nationally for kidney transplants, according to the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients. In 2025, the institute completed 101 kidney transplants, marking a historic milestone for both DHR Health and the Rio Grande Valley. As the only transplant center in the region, it provides essential services to patients from the Valley, Laredo, and Corpus Christi. Medical Director Dr. Sridhar Allam emphasized the importance of the transplant team and the generosity of organ donors in achieving these results. DHR Health remains committed to enhancing patient care and outcomes.
HealthWomen learn heart health at Vestido Rojo in Brownsville
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The American Heart Association South Texas hosted its Vestido Rojo event in Brownsville to help raise awareness about women's cardiovascular health. The event was held Saturday at the Brownsville Event Center, where more than 450 people were expected to attend. The event was nationally sponsored by CVS Health and locally presented by
HealthTalarico coming to Edinburg to speak on Healthcare costs
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — State Rep. James Talarico, D-Austin, is visiting Edinburg as part of his campaign for the U.S. Senate. The event is scheduled for noon on July 15 at Bert Ogden Arena, located at 4900 I-69C in Edinburg. Talarico is running against Republican candidate and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton for a seat in
HealthAlert for Cyclospora Outbreak: Should You Stop Eating Fruits and Vegetables?
Cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal disease causing severe diarrhea, are rising in the U.S., with over 3,000 reported cases across 31 states. Health authorities are on alert, as the source of the outbreaks remains unidentified. Historically, Cyclospora parasites have been linked to fresh produce, making some consumers cautious. Experts recommend proper cleaning and cooking of fruits and vegetables, rather than avoiding them. The CDC advises washing hands before and after handling food, rinsing produce under running water, and refrigerating cut items promptly. Cooking fruits like raspberries is also suggested to reduce risk.
HealthNew study finds fleas on Rio Grande Valley cats carrying disease-causing typhus bacteria
A recent study revealed that some cats in the Rio Grande Valley are infested with fleas that carry typhus bacteria, posing a health risk to humans. Andres Martinez, a resident of Indian Hills, is recovering from typhus and shared his experience after learning about the study. Hidalgo County reported 98 typhus cases in 2023, contributing to nearly 1,400 cases since 2008, which accounts for 20% of Texas's total cases. Researchers found the bacteria in fleas from six out of 167 sampled cats. Local health officials urge pet owners to keep their animals flea-free and report strays, while advising anyone with symptoms to seek testing.
HealthHidalgo County Health and Human Services offers free colorectal cancer screening kits
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Hidalgo County Health and Human Services is offering free colorectal cancer screening kits to eligible members in the community. The Hidalgo County Health and Human Services advises its community to get routine screenings, as early detection can save lives. Hidalgo County Health and Human Services advises that people should get a
HealthHidalgo County Health hosts first public opioid overdose awareness event
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- The Hidalgo County Health and Services hosted its first public opioid overdose prevention and awareness training on Friday in Mercedes. Health officials visited the Mercedes Public Library to provide insight on the steps to take and how to administer Narcan if someone is experiencing an overdose. Narcan is a medication specifically
HealthDHR Health Transplant Institute Earns Top State and National Rankings
The DHR Health Transplant Institute has achieved notable recognition, ranking second in Texas and sixteenth nationally for kidney transplants, as reported by the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients. Established in 1997, DHR Health aims to address healthcare disparities in the Rio Grande Valley. It has grown to become one of the largest physician-owned hospital systems in the U.S., with over 6,200 employees and more than 1.5 million residents served. Recent expansions include a new Medical Campus in Starr County and a new hospital in Brownsville, enhancing access to healthcare in the region.