Health
Health news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
HealthHealth officials track dozens who left hantavirus-stricken ship after 1st fatality
Health officials are tracking passengers who left the MV Hondius cruise ship after a hantavirus outbreak resulted in three fatalities, including a Dutch couple and a German national. Over two dozen passengers disembarked on April 24, before the virus was confirmed on May 2. Investigators in Argentina are focusing on Ushuaia, where the Dutch couple may have contracted the virus during a bird-watching trip. The World Health Organization has stated that the risk to the general public is low, as hantavirus is primarily spread through contaminated rodent droppings. The ship is currently en route to the Canary Islands with over 140 passengers still aboard.
HealthTwo Texas Residents Identified as Passengers on MV Hondius
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has informed the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) that two Texas residents were aboard the MV Hondius, which recently had a hantavirus outbreak in the Atlantic Ocean. These passengers disembarked before the outbreak was recognized. Public health officials have contacted them, and both report no symptoms or contact with sick individuals during the voyage. They will monitor their health with daily temperature checks and will alert authorities if any symptoms arise. Hantaviruses are typically transmitted through rodent droppings, and the Andes virus strain can spread in limited circumstances between people.
HealthNational Nurses Week: Valley Baptist's Gilbert Salinas
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — National Nurses Week began on Wednesday, and ValleyCentral is taking time to honor those who work tirelessly to keep our community healthy. In the Valley Baptist emergency room, nurse Gilbert Salinas doesn't just see patients, but cares for them as if they were his own family. "When people give me a
HealthThe Incredible Details of the Fatal Surgery Where a Patient's Liver Was Removed Instead of His Spleen
During an eight-hour court statement, Florida surgeon Thomas Shaknovsky faced the same question repeatedly: Why did he remove a man's liver instead of his spleen? The disastrous surgical error that occurred in August 2024—and the subsequent death of Shaknovsky's patient, 70-year-old William Bryan, on the operating table—led Bryan's widow to file a lawsuit last year and a special jury to charge Shaknovsky with involuntary manslaughter last month. He has pleaded not guilty. What exactly went wrong during the scheduled splenectomy remains a mystery, especially since Shaknovsky has not publicly commented on the case.
HealthUSDA tightens SNAP retailer rules, requiring more nutritious food options
The USDA has announced new requirements for retailers that accept SNAP benefits, mandating stores stock a wider range of nutritious foods in an effort to improve access to healthier options.
HealthTwo Texas Residents Confirmed to Have Been on Cruise with Hantavirus Outbreak
HOUSTON, Texas – Health authorities in Texas confirmed that two residents of the state were aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship, where a hantavirus outbreak was later detected while sailing in the Atlantic Ocean. In a statement sent to Telemundo Houston, the Texas Department of Health reported that the passengers had already left the vessel and returned to the United States before the outbreak was identified. Public health officials were able to contact both individuals, who reported not experiencing any symptoms and having had no contact with any sick passengers during the trip. As a precautionary measure, they agreed to monitor their health daily, including taking their temperature, and to report any signs of illness immediately. HOW IS HANTAVIRUS TRANSMITTED? Hantavirus is typically spread through contact with the urine, feces, or saliva of wild rodents. However, the variant detected in this outbreak, known as the Andes virus, can be transmitted between people under very specific circumstances. PUBLIC HEALTH CLARIFICATION Requires close and prolonged contact with an infected person. It is not transmitted through casual contact, such as shaking hands, nor by being briefly in the same space. There is no evidence of transmission from asymptomatic individuals. The DSHS reiterated that it will not disclose any additional personal information about the passengers to protect their privacy.
HealthWhat is the Andes virus? The hantavirus linked to outbreak on cruise is the deadliest strain
The strain of hantavirus that has caused the death of three people and has sickened five others on a cruise is the Andes strain, which is generally found in South America, including areas of Argentina, from where the luxury cruise MV Hondius set sail. This strain, which can lead to the most severe illness, is the only type known to be transmitted from person to person. As of Wednesday, eight cases had been reported; three have been confirmed as hantavirus through laboratory tests. Three people have died: a Dutch couple and another woman. One person is in intensive care in South Africa. Dr. Abraar Karan, an infectious disease specialist at Stanford Medicine, stated that the death of the 69-year-old woman, who was on a plane just 24 hours before passing away on April 26, 'shows how quickly this disease can progress.'
HealthWHO: No Reasons for Hantavirus Outbreak to Become an Epidemic Like COVID-19
GENEVA – The World Health Organization (WHO) stated on Thursday that there are no reasons for the hantavirus outbreak reported on a cruise ship to escalate into a major epidemic, nor can it be compared to the emergence of COVID-19. "This is not coronavirus; this is a very different virus that has been around for a while, and we know it. So I want to be clear, this is not the start of a pandemic like COVID. It is an outbreak on a ship, in a confined area with five confirmed cases so far," said Maria Van Kerkhove, the acting director of the WHO's Health Emergency Prevention and Preparedness Department. She added that hantavirus is transmitted very differently from the coronavirus that caused the pandemic six years ago, through close and intimate contact, while COVID-19 spreads via respiratory transmission. Abdirahman Mohamud, head of the WHO's Health Emergency Operations Department, recalled that the current situation is similar to one that occurred in Argentina in 2018-2019, which ended with 34 infections.
HealthFour health inspections later, Asian Buffet passes health code
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. The married duo of Fly The Flag Coffee poured up a perfect 100 on their Brownsville Health Department inspection report. The Food Patrol surprised Isai Candanoza and Jackie
HealthNew World Screwworm Defense Operations Expanded Along Texas-Mexico Border
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announced the expansion of sterile fly dispersal operations to combat the New World screwworm along the Texas-Mexico border. The new dispersal zone now extends to Maverick County near Eagle Pass, enhancing protections for livestock, wildlife, and pets. Miller emphasized the urgency of this initiative, noting that the screwworm poses a significant threat to animals and the agricultural economy. He urged ranchers, veterinarians, and pet owners to remain vigilant for signs of infestation and report any unusual activity. For more information, visit Screwworm.gov.
HealthDHR Health Earns Another ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade
DHR Health in Edinburg has received an 'A' Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit focused on patient safety. This grade reflects the hospital's commitment to minimizing errors, accidents, and infections. Dr. Manish Singh, CEO of DHR Health, emphasized that this recognition highlights the dedication of their teams to patient care and the importance of safety for the families they serve. The 'A' grade is the highest rating, signifying DHR Health's ongoing commitment to providing quality and safe healthcare to the community.
HealthWhat Has Happened to the Parents of Young Man with Terminal Cancer? A Glimmer of Hope Emerges
In less than 24 hours, the fate of Kevin González's parents could be determined. Kevin, a young man from Chicago with terminal cancer, has one last wish: to see them once more before he dies. He is currently in Durango, Mexico, living with his grandmother after traveling from Chicago following his parents' arrest. They were detained in Arizona after crossing the border with the intention of reuniting with their son and caring for him. Since then, Kevin's health has deteriorated. He is no longer receiving medical treatment and relies solely on his grandmother's care. 'I love you so much, hang in there, sleep, my son, because you don’t sleep all night... and it breaks my heart to see what he is suffering,' said his grandmother, Victoria Amaya. Despite his condition, Kevin found the strength to send a message to federal authorities. 'That they do everything possible to let them out and be with me in my last days,' Kevin said.
HealthDHR Health, Texas A&M School of Law Legal Clinics Launch Unique Medical/Legal Partnership
DHR Health in Edinburg has launched a partnership with the Texas A&M School of Law Legal Clinics to create the Community and Legal-Medical Alliance (CALMA). This initiative aims to assist low-income patients facing legal challenges that affect their health. By providing free legal services in areas such as housing instability and family law, CALMA seeks to address social determinants of health. The program is backed by a grant from the Texas Access to Justice Foundation and managed by the Economic Justice Initiative. This collaboration aims to enhance DHR Health's ability to provide comprehensive care to its patients.
HealthCouple on cruise possibly contracted hantavirus while birdwatching in Argentina
PRAIA, Cape Verde — Two Argentine officials investigating the origins of the hantavirus outbreak on the cruise that departed from southern Argentina say the main hypothesis of the government is that a Dutch couple contracted the virus during a birdwatching excursion in the city of Ushuaia, before boarding. They indicated that the couple visited a landfill during the birdwatching tour, where they may have been exposed to rodents carrying the infection. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media, as the investigation is still ongoing. Previously, authorities had stated that neither Ushuaia nor the surrounding province of Tierra del Fuego had ever recorded a case of hantavirus.
HealthThree Patients Evacuated from Cruise Ship with Hantavirus Outbreak; Another Case Confirmed in Switzerland
A hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship, anchored off Cape Verde with nearly 150 people aboard, has led to the evacuation of three patients, including the ship's doctor. Three passengers have died, and others have fallen ill. The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that the virus strain identified can rarely be transmitted between people. Meanwhile, a Swiss man who traveled on the cruise has tested positive for the virus after returning home. The ship is expected to head to the Canary Islands for further medical assistance, despite concerns from local authorities about potential risks to the population.
HealthThousands of Cans: Baby Formula Recalled Due to Possible Contamination
Approximately 16,000 cans of infant formula have been recalled due to potential contamination with a toxin that could cause illness, according to the FDA. The a2 Milk Company from Colorado initiated a voluntary recall of three batches of its a2 Platinum Premium USA formula, intended for children 12 months and younger. The toxin, cereulide, is produced by certain strains of Bacillus cereus bacteria. Symptoms may appear within 30 minutes to six hours after consumption, primarily gastrointestinal issues. Although no illnesses have been reported, the FDA warns that infants are at higher risk. Consumers are advised to stop using the product and return it for a refund.
HealthSpain to Host Hantavirus-Infected Cruise Ship in the Canary Islands
Spain will host a luxury cruise ship with a deadly hantavirus outbreak in the Canary Islands at the request of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 'compliance with International Law and humanitarian spirit,' according to the Ministry of Health. Spain has also accepted a formal request from the Dutch government to accommodate a doctor from the MV Hondius cruise ship, who is in serious condition and will be immediately transferred to the Canary Islands by air ambulance. The Spanish government will announce the details of the protocol for accommodating the cruise ship as soon as they are defined by the WHO and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and will provide updates on its implementation, according to Health officials. The MV Hondius is currently anchored in Cape Verde, where a team of WHO epidemiologists is conducting an assessment on board to determine the next steps. According to the vessel tracking site MarineTraffic, the Hondius has not moved since Monday morning. The epidemiologists aim to assess the health status of the 147 people on board, which includes 14 Spaniards, among them five Catalans, three Madrileños, one Galician, and one Valencian, who are reportedly in good health. The WHO has reported that seven people are affected by the outbreak of this virus, which is typically transmitted from rats to humans through direct contact with the rodents or their droppings. Among the cases, two have been confirmed in the laboratory, with three fatalities and one person in critical condition in South Africa.
HealthTwo Popular Potato Chip Brands Recalled Due to Possible Salmonella
Two popular brands of potato chips have been recalled, affecting several flavors, due to concerns that some of their ingredients may be contaminated with salmonella. The voluntary recall, issued on May 4 by Utz Quality Foods, affects a range of potato chip varieties from the Zapp’s and Dirty brands, according to a press release from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the seasoning for the chips—which contains powdered milk—could potentially contain salmonella. The FDA stated that the recall was conducted 'out of an abundance of caution,' as the affected seasoning batches tested negative. However, the contaminated powdered milk—sourced from a third party—had already led to other recalls, including frozen pizzas and pork cracklings.
HealthHantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship: WHO Suspects Person-to-Person Transmission
A cruise ship carrying nearly 150 passengers is currently stranded in the Atlantic Ocean due to a hantavirus outbreak, with two crew members awaiting evacuation for treatment. The World Health Organization (WHO) suspects rare person-to-person transmission of the virus, as three deaths have been reported alongside two confirmed and five suspected cases. The ship, Hondius, is off the coast of Praia, Cape Verde, after being denied docking permission. The Dutch government is organizing the evacuation, while Spain is sending epidemiologists to assess onboard health. Strict isolation protocols are in place for the 88 passengers and 59 crew members.