Health
Health news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
HealthTeen Bitten by Shark After Boat Fails: Young Man Receives Medical Attention
HOUSTON – A 17-year-old was injured after being bitten by a shark on Monday in waters near Galveston, according to authorities. The Galveston County Sheriff's Office received the notification shortly before 4 PM. The incident occurred while the young man was aboard a boat with two others heading to the Galveston Yacht Basin. After the attack, the boy's father applied a tourniquet while they were navigating. However, the boat experienced a mechanical failure near the South Jetties, prompting a call for help from the Coast Guard. Rescue teams from the Galveston station arrived on the scene, applied a second tourniquet to the young man, and transported him and his father back to base. According to the official report, the victim was conscious and alert during the rescue. The teenager was taken to the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston for treatment.
HealthBoil Water Notice Issued for Residents of Sebastian
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has issued a boil water notice for customers of the Sebastian Municipal Utility Service following a water leak in the system. Residents are advised to boil water before consuming it, using it for cooking, washing hands, brushing teeth, or making ice. According to the notice, water should be kept at a rolling boil for at least two minutes to eliminate bacteria and other potentially harmful microorganisms. They also recommended using bottled water or water from another safe source while the notice is in effect. Authorities noted that children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to potential bacteria in the water. The public system will notify residents once the water is safe for human consumption. For more information, residents can contact Sebastian MUD at 956-347-3036 or 956-577-4709.
HealthCause of Death Revealed for NASCAR Driver Kyle Busch
Kyle Busch, a two-time NASCAR champion, passed away at 41 due to severe pneumonia that progressed to sepsis, leading to rapid and overwhelming complications, as reported by his family. Dakota Hunter, vice president of Kyle Busch Companies, shared that the family received the medical evaluation on Saturday. Busch collapsed while testing a Chevrolet simulator in Concord, North Carolina, a day before he was set to compete in the Coca-Cola 600. Emergency responders noted he was experiencing difficulty breathing and coughing up blood. In his honor, the 39 drivers in the upcoming race will display a black sticker with the number 8 on their cars.
HealthU.S. Adds Health Controls for Ebola at Three Airports; Delays Possible
HOUSTON – Federal authorities in the United States announced new public health measures in response to the Ebola outbreak in Africa, which include arrival restrictions and enhanced health screenings at designated airports, including Houston. Starting May 26, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston will join the list of authorized airports to receive flights from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan, along with Washington Dulles (IAD) and Atlanta (ATL). Travelers should prepare for potential reroutes, delays, or cancellations, and stay informed directly with their airlines. These measures apply to anyone who has been in those countries within the 21 days prior to their arrival in the United States, including citizens and permanent residents. Authorities clarified that cargo flights and crews without passengers are exempt from these restrictions. The federal government reiterated that these actions are preventive and aim to protect public health, while the CDC concentrates medical and early detection resources at the designated airports. Ebola is considered a high-risk virus by the World Health Organization. Currently, 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths have been reported. All of this comes just days before the start of the FIFA World Cup, where the Democratic Republic of the Congo will have matches in Houston.
Health"I Will Always Love You": Famous YouTuber Mourns the Death of His Son After Battling Cancer
Danny Go!, a well-known children's YouTuber, announced the death of his 14-year-old son, Isaac Coleman, who passed away after battling cancer. In an emotional Instagram post, Coleman expressed his deep sorrow, stating, "Oh, my sweet boy. There’s so much I want to say, but I don’t know how yet. I miss you so much, and the pain in my heart is unbearable." Isaac had been diagnosed with mouth cancer in December, a complication of his Fanconi anemia, a hereditary condition that increases cancer risk. Coleman, who has over 4.7 million YouTube followers, had previously canceled his tour to spend time with his family during this difficult period.
HealthNew $10. 5 million emergency care center coming to Palmview
A new emergency care center is set to be built in Palmview, with a budget of $10.5 million. The Palmview Emergency Department, part of Mission Regional Medical Center, aims to enhance 24/7 emergency services in western Hidalgo County. The groundbreaking ceremony will take place on May 27 at 100 Main Street. The facility will cover 13,756 square feet and include an ambulance bay, patient drop-off area, X-ray and lab services, and more. It will be staffed by experienced professionals and is expected to be completed by summer 2027, reflecting a commitment to community health and safety.
HealthPharr EMS offering free CPR, 'Stop the Bleed' training courses
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — If you've ever wanted to learn skills that could help save a life, now's your chance. Pharr EMS is offering free CPR and "Stop the Bleed" training courses on Thursday at the Pharr One Center, located at 1121 E. Nolana Ave. Participants will learn how to perform chest compressions, pack a
HealthTexas Updates State ID and Driver’s Licenses for Drivers with Disabilities
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has announced updates to driver licenses (DL) and identification (ID) cards for individuals with disabilities. In collaboration with the Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities (GCPD), the Texas Driving with Disability Program now includes a new option for 'Deaf/Hard of Hearing' alongside the existing 'Communication Impediment' indicator. These options help inform law enforcement about a driver's communication challenges. To enroll, individuals must submit a signed Physician/Psychiatrist’s Statement Form DL-101 and other required documentation at a DPS office. A recent webinar was held to explain these changes and how to utilize the program.
HealthRestaurant with 'rat droppings' calls police on Food Patrol
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — To be a Food 4 Thought, ¡QUE RICO! Top Performer, a business must have a routine inspection report with zero health code violations. To be a Food 4 Thought ¡QUE ASCO! Investigation, a business must have a health code inspection report with violations that pose a health risk to consumers. Like an
HealthMother of Matthew Perry Criticizes Assistant in Overdose Case: 'He Paid the Consequences'
In a heartbreaking victim impact statement, Matthew Perry's mother, Suzanne Morrison, condemned the actor's former assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, claiming he enabled the addiction that led to her son's death in 2023. 'His primary responsibility was to ensure that Matthew remained what he wanted to be: drug-free,' Morrison wrote. 'But instead of protecting Matthew, he aided and covered up illegal drug use, first arranging one source of supply and then another.' Perry, 54, was found unresponsive in his hot tub and later determined to have died from an accidental ketamine overdose. In the months leading up to his death, Perry underwent several treatments for anxiety and depression, including ketamine infusion therapy. Prosecutors stated that he later developed a dependence on the treatment and sought additional doses. The Department of Justice reported that Iwamasa, 59, conspired with 41-year-old Jasveen Sangha, also known as the 'Ketamine Queen' of North Hollywood, 54-year-old Erik Fleming, and 42-year-old Dr. Salvador Plasencia, known as 'Dr. P' from Santa Monica, to illegally obtain and distribute ketamine to Perry.
HealthConsumer Reports: Tips to afford safe baby formula
Baby formula represents a significant cost for many families, especially those in the WIC program, which is essential for nutrition. Consumer Reports has tested 90 formulas for contaminants like lead and arsenic, finding that popular WIC options, Similac Advance and Enfamil Infant, have low levels of harmful substances. While WIC typically offers limited brands, parents can save money by shopping at wholesale retailers or using auto-delivery services. A proposed federal bill may allow WIC to contract with multiple manufacturers, potentially increasing choices and reducing shortages for families relying on this program.
HealthDoctors say woman in El Paso ICE detention center urgently requires surgery that she is being denied
Andrea Pedro Francisco, a 23-year-old Guatemalan woman detained at the Camp East Montana facility in El Paso, urgently needs surgery for an ovarian cyst that has caused her severe pain. After being detained by ICE in Minnesota on August 11, 2025, she was hospitalized but returned to detention without the necessary procedure. Despite recommendations from multiple doctors stating she is at high risk for complications, ICE has denied her surgery and outside medical evaluations. Advocates and family members are concerned about her deteriorating health, as her condition could lead to infertility or other serious complications if untreated.
HealthVanessa Trump, ex-daughter-in-law of Donald Trump, announces breast cancer diagnosis
Vanessa Trump, former wife of Donald Trump Jr., announced on Wednesday that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer and requested privacy as she focuses on her health and recovery. "I want to share a personal update about my health. I have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. While this is not news anyone expects to receive, I am working closely with my medical team on a treatment plan," she said in a message on her Instagram account. She also thanked her doctors for performing a procedure earlier this week, without specifying the details.
HealthTexas Officials Urge Pet Owners to Watch for Screwworm Risks
Texas officials are warning pet owners about the risks posed by the New World screwworm, a parasite that can infect pets through open wounds. They advise checking pets for injuries after outdoor activities and seeking veterinary care if signs of infection appear. The Texas Animal Health Commission emphasizes the importance of wound care and regular monitoring to prevent infestations. Symptoms to watch for include non-healing wounds, unusual drainage, and visible larvae. Officials recommend limiting exposure to injury-prone areas and maintaining routine veterinary visits. Prompt reporting of suspected cases is crucial as Texas prepares for potential screwworm threats from Mexico.
HealthTexas Agencies Urge Ranchers to Monitor Animals as Screwworm Threat Nears Border
Texas agencies are urging ranchers and veterinarians to closely monitor livestock due to the threat of the New World screwworm, a parasite recently detected in northern Mexico. The Texas Animal Health Commission warns that this parasite can infect livestock, pets, and even humans through open wounds. Although it was eradicated in the U.S. in 1966, recent cases in Mexico raise concerns. The Texas Department of Agriculture has issued alerts and is coordinating with federal and Mexican authorities to prevent its spread. Ranchers are advised to inspect animals regularly and report any signs of infestation immediately.
HealthRio Grande Valley Officials Meet in Weslaco Over Flesh Eating Parasite Threat
Officials from the Rio Grande Valley met in Weslaco to address the threat of the New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite nearing the Texas border. The Texas Animal Health Commission reported confirmed cases in northern Mexico, prompting increased vigilance among local ranchers and animal owners. The parasite, which can infect livestock and, in rare instances, humans, was eradicated in the U.S. in 1966 but remains a concern due to its resurgence in Mexico. Authorities urged residents to report unusual wounds in animals and emphasized the importance of early detection and rapid response to prevent its spread into Texas.
HealthPalmview Family Prays for Recovery of 5-Year-Old Son After Pool Accident
An accident during a party changed the life of a family in the Rio Grande Valley after a five-year-old boy was seriously injured from a fall in a pool in Palmview. The child, identified as Elijah, remains hospitalized at Driscoll Children's Hospital in Corpus Christi after suffering a head injury from falling on the pool steps, according to his mother, Brianna Sandoval. "I wasn't there, they just called me and told me he fell off the steps and hit his head on the concrete, and they said they ran right away and left," the boy's mother said. Brianna Sandoval recalled that she was working at the time of the accident and it was the child's father who called emergency services. The mother explained that the child was experiencing episodes of consciousness and fainting before being transported for medical attention.
HealthValley group offers Medicaid, CHIP application assistance
A community organization in the Rio Grande Valley is assisting families in applying for Medicaid and CHIP health coverage. The Community Action Corporation of South Texas offers resources for completing applications and can send representatives to homes for direct support. Amanda Pineda, the Outreach and Enrollment Coordinator, provided insights to Channel 5 News. Families seeking assistance can reach out by calling 956-452-1420 or 361-238-4899 for more information.
HealthBrownsville FD Earns Lifeline® EMS Gold Achievement Award for 3rd Consecutive Year
The Brownsville Fire Department has received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline® EMS Gold Achievement Award for the third consecutive year. This award recognizes the department's commitment to delivering high-quality emergency medical care for critical situations like cardiac arrest and strokes. To achieve this honor, the department met rigorous national standards for emergency response, including quick symptom recognition and effective communication with hospitals. Interim City Manager Alan Guard praised the professionalism of the firefighters, while Chief Jarrett Sheldon highlighted the teamwork and dedication of the EMS personnel. The department also extends its services beyond city limits to Cameron County.