Health
Health news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
HealthIt Takes a Village: Fed is best, the truth about breastfeeding
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) —It Takes A Village is a weekly ValleyCentral+ series that covers all things parenting; from real, honest conversations about daily routines and challenges to funny moments, lessons learned and balancing work and family life. August is National Breastfeeding Month. Breastfeeding is something supposed to be natural, but it doesn't always mean it's easy.
HealthRecall of frozen blueberries categorized under FDA's highest Class I risk level
The recalled blueberries had been shipped to stores in eight states.
HealthWomen’s Health Breakfast Brings Medical Experts and Community Together
A women’s health breakfast is set to unite healthcare professionals, community leaders, and women from the region for a panel discussion on health issues affecting women at all life stages. Experts, including gynecologists and cardiologists, will address topics such as menopause, hormonal health, and preventive care. The event aims to educate attendees on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and making informed health decisions. Open to all interested in women’s health, the breakfast will foster connections among participants and provide a platform for discussion. Breakfast will be served, promoting a collaborative environment for learning and engagement.
HealthSalmonella Outbreak Linked to Contaminated Jalapeños Still Ongoing
At least 431 people in 32 states have fallen ill after consuming fresh jalapeños contaminated with salmonella, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported on Wednesday. The most likely source of the infections was jalapeños grown in Mexico and distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors, which has recalled the peppers. They were served at Chipotle, Qdoba, and other Mexican food restaurants. Chipotle and Qdoba removed the jalapeños from their menus earlier this month. Taylor Fresh Foods also recalled several salsa and dip products that contained the affected jalapeños. These products were sold under brands such as Hannaford, Kroger, Target, Trader Joe’s, and Walmart. Whole Foods Market recalled a selection of salsas, guacamole, pico de gallo, and prepared foods containing the peppers in 12 states, with sell-by dates before 8/7/2026 and 8/16/2026.
HealthCereal Giants to Strip Harmful Dyes from School Meals Following Landmark Agreement
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has reached significant settlements with WK Kellogg Co. and General Mills Inc., mandating the removal of harmful synthetic dyes from their cereal products. Both companies will eliminate these dyes from cereals served in schools by July 1, 2026, ahead of the new school year. Kellogg’s has committed to removing artificial colorings from all its cereals in the U.S. by the end of 2027, while General Mills will do the same for its entire product line. This change aims to enhance children's health, allowing parents to feel more secure about the cereals their children consume at school.
HealthDHR Health Outdoor Medicine Conference to Address Emergency Response
DHR Health is set to host an Outdoor Medicine Conference on August 21, aimed at enhancing emergency response skills in outdoor settings throughout the Rio Grande Valley. This event will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. at the South Padre Island Convention Center, located at 7355 Padre Boulevard. It is free and open to various healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and first responders, who can earn continuing medical education credits. A notable highlight will be a live testimonial from Tabatha Sullivent, a shark attack survivor from South Padre Island during the Fourth of July weekend in 2024.
HealthAdoptions of Pets in Texas Halted Due to Screwworm; Here’s the Situation
Pet adoptions are on hold for thousands of dogs and cats in Texas due to efforts to curb the spread of the New World screwworm, an insect that has crossed the border from Mexico into the United States for the first time in 60 years. This could put animals at risk of being euthanized. The carnivorous parasite threatens the national beef industry, valued at $113 billion, prompting federal authorities to close the border to livestock transit. Since the screwworm can also infect pets, most states have restricted the movement of animals from infested areas in Texas to other regions of the country, leading to overcrowding in state shelters that rely on adoptions. "It has complicated things for both small rescues and larger shelters," said Mia Bendixsen, executive director of the Texas Humane Legislation Network, which advocates for animal welfare laws. The screwworm lays eggs that hatch into larvae that consume flesh in wounds or mucous membranes of any mammal, and of the dozens of infections in South Texas and southeastern New Mexico, several have occurred in dogs. Forty-four states have restricted the transport of pets from infested areas, creating challenges for Texas shelters that typically send thousands of animals to other states each year. In Corpus Christi, the Gulf Coast Humane Society was unable to transfer rescued dogs to New York for weeks, causing the shelter's animal population to rise from about 325 to nearly 450. The shelter, which sends about 500 dogs out of Texas each year, created more space in outdoor exercise areas until New York allowed the entry of dogs from Texas again, provided a veterinarian certified that none were infected with the screwworm. They added that if their shelter does not have space to take in animals from municipal shelters, "then they have to euthanize more animals." Texas has a surplus of dogs and cats available for adoption. Transporting dogs and cats from Texas to other states, particularly to the Northeast or the Great Lakes region, has become crucial for saving stray and abandoned animals. In 2025, Texas transported nearly 89,000 unadopted dogs out of its shelters, more than any other state, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. It also euthanized about 45,000 dogs, again more than any other state, according to the data. Texas led the number of cats transported out of its shelters—almost 53,000—and ranked second, behind California, in cats euthanized, with nearly 29,000. Texas has more stray dogs and cats than any state except California—about 439,000 in 2025—largely due to its high population and size. The warm climate also allows strays to survive longer and reproduce more, veterinarians and animal welfare advocates noted. They added that pet owners in Texas seem less willing to spay or neuter their dogs. "There are people with working dogs on ranches and farms, both males and females, who feel that the animal will lose some of its drive," explained veterinarian Lori Teller, executive director of the Texas Veterinary Medical Association. Shelters and animals are under pressure. In Houston, Aaron Grady, director of the Humane Society shelter, indicated that the inability to send animals out of state has put more pressure on them. "If an adopter walks through the kennels and sees a dog that may be sitting quietly and comfortably in one, and then in the next, there’s a dog bouncing off the walls and barking from stress, the first one may seem more desirable," Grady explained. The Houston shelter has worked to keep its animal population—mainly cats and dogs—around 200, relying on a network of foster homes for up to 300 more and helping owners keep their animals a little longer. Most states have tightened rules for importing animals. The restrictions on animal transport came after efforts by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to prevent the screwworm fly from crossing the border with Mexico. These efforts include building a $750 million fly factory in South Texas to breed billions of sterile males; the facility is expected to open in April 2027. The U.S. had largely eradicated the fly in the early 1970s by breeding sterile males and releasing them from planes to mate with females, which laid eggs that did not hatch. Smaller facilities in Texas and southern Mexico have dispersed sterile flies bred in Panama, and another is planned for Arizona. A week after the first reported case in Texas this year, Florida—where the screwworm fly can thrive—banned the import of rescued dogs and cats from Texas and New Mexico. Other states required veterinarians to inspect animals and declare them free of the parasite. Many shortened the validity period of a certification from the typical 30 days to just three. Shelters were facing space issues long before the return of the screwworm. State restrictions affect an animal welfare system that has long lacked funding and other resources, said Delcianna Winders, director of the Animal Law and Policy Institute at Vermont Law and Graduate School. She noted that shelters need more money and space, but communities should also demand that animals be spayed or neutered and have programs to provide those services if people cannot afford them. "If we could provide at least basic support, maybe they could keep those animals in their homes, and that’s one less animal in a shelter, one less animal that dies," she stated. COVID-19 also strained the system, partly because pandemic restrictions paused spaying and neutering. The rising cost of living is another reason people are surrendering animals to shelters. "Many people simply say, 'I can’t do this anymore,'" said Brandon Krodle, animal control supervisor in Greenville, Texas, a rapidly growing city northeast of Dallas. A trip from Texas to Indiana saved her dog’s life. Mills, the director of the Corpus Christi shelter, has a dog that would have died in 2015 if not for a nearly 1,000-mile trip from Paris, Texas, to Angola, Indiana, where Mills was working at the time. Zuri, a young female mix of shepherd and pit bull, was on a list of dogs slated for euthanasia, and Mills’ counterpart in Texas asked her to add Zuri to a transport. Zuri’s right ear doesn’t fully stand up, and the puppy had "the cutest little face," Mills recounted, but she chose her because it seemed like she was "really thinking things through" while Mills spoke to her. She broke a personal rule of not taking animals home from her shelter. When Mills moved to Corpus Christi in 2020, Zuri returned to Texas. "At the shelter I was at in Indiana, we were transporting animals from Texas and southern states every week," she recalled. This story was translated from English by an AP editor with the help of a generative artificial intelligence tool. A Telemundo Digital editor reviewed the translation.
HealthHistoric Moment Against Cancer Following Vaccine Results for Melanoma
Biotechnology company Moderna and pharmaceutical firm MSD announced promising results on Wednesday for a melanoma vaccine combined with a drug in an advanced clinical trial, describing it as a 'historic moment' in cancer research. The trial involved 1,137 patients who had already undergone surgery to remove melanoma, aiming to reduce the risk of recurrence through a combined regimen of 'intismeran autogene,' a personalized experimental therapy based on messenger RNA (mRNA) technologies, and the drug Keytruda, according to a statement. This is the first combined regimen to show 'statistically significant and clinically relevant improvements in recurrence-free survival (RFS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) compared to Keytruda alone for these patients in the context of adjuvant melanoma treatment,' the text states. 'Today's results represent a historic moment for adjuvant melanoma treatment,' said Georgina Long, the study's principal investigator and medical director of the Melanoma Institute Australia, in the statement. Moderna and MSD (known as Merck in the U.S.) highlighted that, in a previously specified interim analysis, intismeran combined with Keytruda met its objectives in patients with completely resected stage IIB, IIC, III, or IV cutaneous melanoma who had not received prior systemic treatment; however, they announced that studies will continue. 'According to the trial protocol, the study will continue to evaluate other key secondary endpoints, including overall survival,' they detailed. 'These phase 3 findings represent a turning point for the field of cancer research. For many years, the idea of creating an mRNA treatment specifically designed for each patient's cancer was an aspiration. Now we are helping to turn that vision into reality,' said Stéphane Bancel, CEO of Moderna, in the statement. The companies announced they will present the data at an unspecified international medical meeting and will engage with regulatory authorities regarding applications for the experimental treatment. Intismeran autogene is a personalized neoantigen therapy based on mRNA, specifically designed for each patient based on their tumor's unique mutation set, aimed at training and activating the immune system to recognize and combat cancer, the companies specify. Meanwhile, Keytruda is the brand name for the active ingredient pembrolizumab, a monoclonal antibody that blocks the PD-1 receptor and helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. Moderna and MSD are collaborating on a program called INTerpath, which evaluates the safety and efficacy of intismeran combined with Keytruda and other cancer therapies, as well as in monotherapy, covering nine phase 2 and 3 clinical trials across various tumor types and stages of disease, including melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, bladder cancer, and renal cell carcinoma. Following the release of promising trial data, Moderna's shares surged 126% on Wall Street by midday, while MSD's shares rose 11%.
Health'I was afraid': Starr County rancher says calf recovering from screwworm
ROMA, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Starr County rancher says his newborn calf is recovering after becoming the first confirmed New World screwworm case reported in the Rio Grande Valley. Lucio E. Gonzalez Jr. says the calf, Milagro Starr, is now healthy and back with her mother and the rest of the herd. “I was afraid
HealthSchool Vaccination Rates Drop and Exemptions Hit Record High, According to Federal Data
Vaccination rates for kindergarten children in the United States declined slightly again last year, and the proportion of minors with exemptions rose to an all-time high, according to federal data released on Monday. The percentage of children exempt from vaccination requirements increased to 4.2%, up from 3.6% the previous year. This translates to an estimated 155,000 children nationwide during the 2025-2026 school year. It marks the fourth consecutive year that the national average exemption rate has reached a record high, with the vast majority of exemptions attributed to parents opting out of vaccinations for non-medical reasons. Exemptions increased in 41 states and the District of Columbia. Experts point to confusion caused by federal health officials.
HealthThrow Them Away, Don't Eat Them: Fruit Bars Recalled Due to Possible Glass Fragments
Check your freezer: certain batches of a popular brand of fruit bars are being recalled nationwide because they may contain glass. The recall was announced on Sunday and affects five specific flavors of Outshine Fruit Bars. The measure was announced by Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream, the parent company of Outshine, 'due to potential contamination with glass particles' and affects batches distributed to retailers and supermarkets across the country. What flavors are under alert? According to the statement, the recalled Outshine Fruit Bar flavors are: Strawberry, Watermelon, Grape, Tangerine, and Black Cherry. No injuries or harm have been reported due to the glass risk in the bars, and no other products or flavors from the brand are part of the recall, according to the announcement. What should you do if you purchased these bars? The California-based company warned that those who have bought these fruit bars should dispose of them or return them for a full refund. 'The safety, quality, and integrity of our products remain our top priority. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this measure may cause our consumers and retail customers,' added Outshine. Outshine Fruit Bars are sold at various supermarkets and popular retail stores, including Dollar General, Walgreens, Walmart, Target, and Jewel Osco. Here is a complete list of the recalled products and their appearance:
HealthGuacamole, pico de gallo, ceviche, and more: HEB recalls products due to salmonella
HOUSTON, Texas – A food recall over potential salmonella contamination affects several popular products sold at HEB stores, including pico de gallo, guacamole, ceviches, cut jalapeños, and other prepared foods. NatureBest Precut & Produce LLC, which has facilities in Houston and Missouri City, announced a voluntary recall of products made with jalapeños supplied by Coast Citrus Distributors due to the risk of salmonella contamination. The affected items were distributed to stores in Texas and Louisiana between July 3 and August 5, 2026. HEB stated in a press release that all products related to this recall have already been removed from their shelves and assured that items currently available in their stores are not affected. The recalled products include HEB Pico de Gallo Mild, Medium, Hot, and Mango, as well as HEB Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Mushrooms and Diced Jalapeño. The recall also includes various presentations of pico de gallo, cut jalapeños, stuffed mushrooms, and soup mixes marketed under the NatureBest brand. Additionally, guacamole, ceviche, and other prepared foods were also recalled. HEB took the precaution of removing prepared products in their stores that used ingredients included in the recall, covering numerous varieties of guacamole and other items. HEB emphasized that these products have been removed from inventory and that foods currently available for sale are not affected by this recall. NatureBest explained that the recall was initiated after being notified by Coast Citrus Distributors that certain jalapeños provided by that company were subject to a recall. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with state and local authorities, are investigating an outbreak of Salmonella Javiana infections linked to jalapeños from Sinaloa, Mexico, distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors. Since NatureBest products were prepared using the affected jalapeños, they may also be contaminated. Authorities recommend not consuming any of the recalled products. Consumers should discard them or return them to the place of purchase. Salmonella can cause fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, with infections potentially being severe and, in some cases, fatal for young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
HealthNewborn in Texas with Heart Condition at Center of Legal Dispute
A newborn in Texas, diagnosed with a rare congenital heart defect known as hypoplastic left heart syndrome, underwent surgery on Monday. The baby, named Rumi, was born to surrogate McKenna West, who faced legal pressure from the biological parents, Omar Ahmed and Nausheen Gilkar, to terminate the pregnancy. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton intervened, seeking a court order for the surgery, claiming the biological parents might refuse necessary care. Rumi's surgery is part of a series of procedures required for this condition. The family requests privacy as they navigate Rumi's critical recovery process.
HealthConsumer Reports puts K-beauty sunscreens to the test
Consumer Reports recently tested six Korean sunscreens from brands like Beauty of Joseon, Innisfree, and Round Lab to compare their effectiveness against U.S. versions. The results indicated that the Korean formulas provided superior protection, particularly against UVB rays, which cause sunburn. However, these products are not rated by Consumer Reports since they are not legally sold in the U.S. due to regulatory differences. The FDA has approved a new sunscreen ingredient, bemotrizinol, which could change the landscape of sunscreen options in the U.S. Meanwhile, top-rated U.S. sunscreens include Coppertone Water Babies Lotion SPF 50 and Eucerin Advanced Hydration Spray SPF 50.
HealthMexican Catholic Church Calls for Mechanisms to Bury Aborted or Abandoned Babies
The Mexican Catholic Church has urged health authorities and local governments to create mechanisms for the dignified burial of aborted or abandoned babies. In an editorial from the Archdiocese of Mexico, it emphasized the need for legal procedures to ensure that unclaimed remains are handed over to accredited organizations for burial. The Church highlighted the frequent cases of abandoned infants and the lack of awareness among families about their rights to reclaim remains for proper farewells. It also pointed out that associations exist to facilitate dignified burials, emphasizing respect for human dignity in death.
HealthDHR Health’s Outdoor Medicine Conference Focused on Outdoor Emergency Response, Aug. 21st
DHR Health will hold its Outdoor Medicine Conference on August 21, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the South Padre Island Convention Center, located at 7355 Padre Boulevard. This free conference is designed for physicians, nurses, emergency personnel, first responders, and medical residents, as well as community members interested in outdoor medicine. The event aims to address the specific challenges of managing medical emergencies in outdoor and remote settings in the Rio Grande Valley. Participants may earn Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits.
HealthValley neurosurgeon discusses treatment options for brachial plexus injuries
BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Dr. James Berry, DO, a neurosurgeon with Rio Grande Valley Brain and Spine in Brownsville, stopped by the NBC 23 studio Monday morning to discuss the expansion of access to complex nerve reconstruction for brachial plexus injuries. Dr. Berry describes the brachial plexus as the nerve network that controls movement and feeling
HealthThese Tiny Insects Can Suck Your Blood While You Sleep
Bedbugs, often referred to as the vampires of the insect world, are increasingly infesting homes, especially during this time of year. These blood-sucking pests hide during the day and emerge at night to feed on humans. Recent studies suggest they may even carry antibiotic-resistant infections like MRSA. Notable infestations have occurred in cities like New York and Paris, causing public concern. Experts recommend vigilance when traveling and inspecting for signs of bedbugs in hotels. If an infestation occurs, professional extermination may be necessary, though it can be costly. Preventative measures are crucial to avoid bringing them home.
HealthLos Fresnos residents losing weight as part of free diabetes prevention program
Residents of Los Fresnos have collectively lost nearly 100 pounds through a free diabetes prevention program aimed at reducing Type 2 diabetes risk. The initiative, part of the Tu Salud Sí Cuenta program, has been running for eight years and includes 22 educational sessions and weekly exercise classes. Participants, like Lupe Martinez, have reported significant health improvements, including weight loss and better blood sugar levels. Graciela Godoy has also changed her cooking habits to include more vegetables, influencing her children’s diets. With six months remaining in the program, the city emphasizes ongoing support for participants even after completion.