Health
Health news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
HealthValley student athletes putting health first as school year begins
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — As Rio Grande Valley school districts begin a brand new year, students are not just going back to the classroom — they're also resuming their sports activities. While student athletes across the Valley practice hard to have a successful season, they also take their physical health seriously. "I just didn't let
HealthFDA Issues Emergency Use Authorization for Drug to Treat New World Screwworm in Dogs and Puppies
The FDA has granted Emergency Use Authorization for Simparica TRIO, a chewable tablet for dogs and puppies, to treat infestations of New World screwworm (NWS). While most U.S. dogs are at low risk, those in or traveling to affected areas should be monitored for signs of infestation. The FDA emphasizes the importance of awareness and consultation with veterinarians. Simparica TRIO, approved in 2020 for other parasitic issues, is available only by prescription due to potential neurological side effects. This authorization will remain in effect until revoked or the public health emergency is terminated.
HealthType O blood donors needed for South Texas blood drive
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Amid a national shortage of blood donations, the South Texas Blood & Tissue organization is urging people with Type O blood to donate in order to save lives. According to Yvonne Wheeler with STB&T, both Type O negative and Type O positive blood donations are needed because Type O blood is
HealthPharmacist Convicted in $20 Million Healthcare Kickback Racket
Tronown Thomas, a 54-year-old pharmacist from Spring, Texas, has been convicted of conspiracy to pay healthcare kickbacks. Following a five-day trial, the jury found that Thomas paid over $2 million in kickbacks to a Houston clinic owner for patient referrals insured by the Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs. From November 2015 to September 2017, his pharmacy received over $20 million in reimbursements for compounded medications linked to this scheme. Sentencing is set for November 12, where Thomas faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
HealthCity of Roma Investigates Unpleasant Odor in Water, Points to Activity in the Rio Grande
The City of Roma is continuing to investigate reports of an unusual odor in the drinking water that began on Monday, August 10. The city indicates that the issue may be related to infrastructure work and activity by authorities in the Rio Grande, near the water intake of the treatment plant. "We believe that one thing is related to the other," said Alfonso Ramírez, assistant to the City Manager of Roma. The TCEQ received three complaints from residents, and on Wednesday, an investigator visited Roma to collect water samples and review response protocols. The city assures that routine tests, turbidity levels, and residual chlorine remain within requirements, and that no violations of water quality have been detected so far. While the investigation continues, municipal staff is purging the affected lines and making adjustments to treatment. The city also reported that complaints decreased on Wednesday.
HealthRoma Public Water System seeks to identify source of 'foul odor' in water
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Roma city officials announced in a public notice on Tuesday that they are aware of concerns regarding "an unusual or foul odor" being reported in portions of the city's water distribution system and are working to identify and address the source. According to a news release from the City of Roma Public
HealthDespite federal efforts to drop some children vaccine recommendations, Texas requirements unchanged
Despite recent federal changes to vaccine recommendations, Texas has not altered its vaccination requirements for students this year. The CDC removed several vaccines from its recommended list, but a federal judge's ruling has kept the pre-2026 recommendations intact. President Trump’s recent order to separate the MMR vaccine into three shots is not a mandate but a guideline, as Texas sets its own vaccine policies. The state's health department confirmed that no changes will occur until the Legislature meets in January. Meanwhile, vaccination rates have dropped, particularly among Hispanic children, amid confusion and immigration enforcement concerns.
HealthConsumer Reports: Should you trust AI with your health questions?
As more individuals seek health information from AI tools like ChatGPT, experts caution that these responses may not always be accurate. A survey revealed that 17% of adults consult AI for health inquiries monthly. While AI can provide quick and comprehensive answers, it can also generate false information and misinterpret details. Privacy is another concern, as AI systems lack the same protections as healthcare providers. Consumer Reports advises using AI for initial information only, verifying with trusted sources, and consulting a doctor for serious health issues. In emergencies, always call 9-1-1.
HealthTaylor Farms recalls jalapeno products over salmonella concerns
Taylor Fresh Foods, the parent company of Taylor Farms, is recalling certain jalapeño products due to potential salmonella contamination. This follows a previous recall of iceberg lettuce linked to a cyclospora outbreak. The recall affects prepared foods like guacamole and pico de gallo, with 'Best If Used By' dates up to August 16, 2026. These products were sold at major retailers including Kroger and Walmart. The FDA and CDC are investigating the outbreak, which is traced back to a grower in Sinaloa, Mexico. Consumers are advised to discard recalled items and can seek refunds at the point of purchase.
HealthFederal officials launch AI-equipped drones to detect screwworm in South Texas livestock
Federal officials have announced the deployment of AI-equipped drones to detect New World screwworm in livestock across the Rio Grande Valley. During a press conference in Edinburg, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott revealed a partnership allowing the USDA to utilize CBP drones for this purpose. The drones can identify infected animals by detecting higher temperatures. The initiative aims to curb the pest's spread, with a second phase involving the release of sterile flies. Additionally, a new sterile fly facility in Edinburg is set to open in April, ahead of schedule.
Health'Sometimes you do need resources': College students turn to food pantries
MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Food insecurity is rising across Texas, and college students in the Rio Grande Valley are among those feeling the impact of higher grocery and gas prices. New data from Feeding America shows Texas’ food insecurity rate increased from 17.6% last year to 19.4% this year — meaning nearly one in five
HealthDHR Health Recertified for Advanced Hip & Knee Replacements
DHR Health in Edinburg has been recertified by The Joint Commission for its Advanced Certification in Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement. This recognition highlights the facility's adherence to high standards in orthopedic care, ensuring safe and effective treatment for patients in the Rio Grande Valley. The program offers comprehensive support throughout the joint replacement process, including pre-operative evaluations, surgery, and rehabilitation. A dedicated team of orthopedic surgeons, nurses, and therapists collaborates to create personalized care plans aimed at reducing pain and restoring mobility for patients.
HealthHealth Authorities Propose Solution to Gap in Food Additive Scrutiny
U.S. health authorities proposed a regulatory change on Monday that would require food manufacturers to notify regulators before introducing new ingredients or additives in processed or packaged foods. The proposal aims to modify a decades-old policy that various advocates have labeled a regulatory gap, which they blame for allowing thousands of untested ingredients into the U.S. food supply. According to the rule proposed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), companies would need to document and submit their safety findings on new ingredients, giving regulators the opportunity to investigate if they detect a potential safety risk. Currently, companies can decide for themselves if an ingredient or additive is 'generally recognized as safe' and there is no requirement to notify or submit evidence to the FDA, although some do. 'Implementing a mandatory notification system closes a decades-long information gap and gives the FDA the comprehensive visibility needed to strengthen post-market safety,' said Kyle Diamantas, acting commissioner of the FDA, to reporters on Monday.
HealthTaylor Farms Recalls Jalapeños and Other Products Due to Possible Salmonella
Taylor Fresh Foods, the parent company of Taylor Farms, is voluntarily recalling certain products that include jalapeños due to concerns over possible salmonella contamination. This announcement comes just weeks after Taylor Farms recalled its iceberg lettuce products sourced from central Mexico due to a potential link to a cyclospora outbreak affecting several states in the U.S. and causing illnesses nationwide. Taylor Fresh Foods reported the recall after learning that Coast Citrus Distributors would voluntarily withdraw fresh jalapeños due to possible salmonella contamination. Prepared foods included in the recall are guacamole, pico de gallo, and a taco sauce. Taylor Farms distributed a list of recalled products across several states with a “Best If Used By” date of August 16, 2026, or earlier. The products were sold at stores like Kroger, Stop & Shop, Target, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Walmart. Taylor Fresh Foods noted that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are working with state and local partners to investigate illnesses in a multistate salmonella outbreak linked to fresh jalapeños supplied by Coast Citrus Distributors. The company identified a producer from Sinaloa, Mexico, as a possible source of the outbreak. Taylor Fresh Foods stated that it no longer sources products from that grower and will fulfill orders with alternative suppliers. Currently, the company is not aware of any reported illnesses linked to its products containing jalapeños. Consumers with recalled products are advised to discard them immediately and not consume them. Refunds are available at the place of purchase. Consumers with questions can contact Taylor at 855-455-0098, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
HealthPistachio Butter Lot Withdrawn Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination
A lot of bettergoods pistachio butter is being recalled due to potential Salmonella contamination, as announced by the FDA. The product, packaged in 6.7 oz glass jars with UPC code 194346207961 and lot code LB028ACP04, has a sell-by date of January 28, 2027. It was distributed to Walmart stores across several states, including Alabama, Florida, and Washington. The recall was initiated after Florida's Department of Agriculture found Salmonella in samples during a routine inspection on July 17, 2026. So far, there have been no reported illnesses linked to this product.
HealthPérez Hilton hospitalized in 'grave but stable' condition and will need surgery, says his family
Pérez Hilton, the celebrity blogger known for his controversial posts, is in serious but stable condition at a Florida hospital after a live stream incident that appeared to show self-harm. His family reported that he suffered significant blood loss and additional injuries requiring surgery in the coming days. The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office responded to reports of a person broadcasting self-harm on social media and safely secured Hilton, who is currently hospitalized under Florida's Baker Act, allowing for emergency mental health services. Communication with him is limited to close family and medical staff, as the family focuses on his recovery.
HealthPatients seeking answers after McAllen orthodontic office closes abruptly
An orthodontic office in McAllen, Senan Orthodontic Studios, has closed unexpectedly, leaving patients with unfinished treatments and significant financial losses. Ana Tamez, a patient for two years, reported paying around $4,000 for braces just days before they were to be removed. Baldemar Perez, who paid over $7,000 for his children's treatment, expressed frustration at the sudden closure. Notices on the office door revealed that the landlord changed the locks due to unpaid rent. The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners encourages affected patients to file complaints to assist in recovering their dental records. Tamez has reported the closure to the police and is seeking legal advice.
HealthMore frequent marijuana users being treated with nausea and vomiting condition: Report
Frequent marijuana users are increasingly turning up in emergency rooms with a condition that causes severe bouts of nausea and vomiting, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Health2-Year-Old Girl Dies Amid Texas Dispute Over Brain Death
HOUSTON — A 2-year-old girl whose parents sued a Texas hospital to prevent a test to determine if she was brain dead after drowning in a hotel pool on Memorial Day has been removed from life support and has died, her family reported this week. Annelise Camp 'is now with Jesus,' her parents, Johnston and Joy Camp, said in a statement, weeks after a judge granted them a temporary restraining order. 'Although our hearts are broken, we trust in His perfect love, His faithfulness, and His promises.' The family had long claimed she was still showing signs of life and wanted more time for her to recover and to explore treatments. Annelise's breathing tubes were removed on Monday, her grandfather, Steve Camp, posted online. 'When this procedure was done, she passed very quickly.'