AGP Executive Report

Public Health Update: Texas health officials say two residents monitored after possible hantavirus exposure on the MV Hondius have completed a 42-day observation period with no symptoms, ending all public health recommendations. Infectious Disease & Agriculture: The New World screwworm threat keeps escalating after a second Texas case in cattle, prompting broader animal movement restrictions and new import rules from other states and countries; officials stress it’s an animal health issue, but early detection and rapid treatment are key. Long-Term Care Watch: CMS Q1 2026 nursing home reports highlight wide variation across Texas—some facilities scored 3–5 stars with no fines, while others received 1-star ratings and multiple fines/penalties—underscoring the need for families to check staffing, inspections, and care quality. Community Health: Bethesda Health Clinic in Tyler hosted a free community baby shower to connect new and expecting mothers with resources like diapers and wipes. Sports & Health: Olympic gymnast Simone Biles shared that she “almost died” in an undisclosed health scare and is resting in bed, while Argentina’s Lionel Messi sat out a Texas friendly due to muscle fatigue and a hamstring strain.

Livestock Health Emergency: USDA confirmed a second New World screwworm case in Texas, detected in a one-month-old calf in Zavala County near the first site, prompting expanded sterile fly releases, movement restrictions, and intensified surveillance as Gov. Abbott keeps disaster response efforts in motion. Maternal Health: New guidance from the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine reaffirms acetaminophen (Tylenol) as first-line for pain and fever during pregnancy, urging the lowest effective dose for the shortest time. Parkinson’s Psychosis Research: A post-hoc analysis presented by Houston Methodist suggests earlier initiation of pimavanserin may be linked to a more favorable psychosis symptom path in Parkinson’s disease. Cancer Care Spotlight: Houston Methodist marked a local man’s 100th birthday after beating stage 4 lung cancer with immunotherapy and targeted radiation. Community Health Access: Bethesda Health Clinic in Tyler announced a $100,000 Christus Health matching gift to support its Greater Works Campaign and expand medical, dental, and mental health services. Local Safety & Care: A multi-vehicle crash in Brownsboro left one dead and two injured, while Tyler police reported a pedestrian struck on University Boulevard with nonlife-threatening injuries.

New World screwworm: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed an updated statewide disaster declaration after USDA confirmed a second flesh-eating screwworm case in a Zavala County calf, just 5.6 miles from the first detection. Officials say there’s no food safety issue, but the response is ramping up fast: sterile fly releases, strict quarantines and movement controls, and daily wound checks for ranchers and pet owners. Cross-border ripple: Canada’s CFIA announced a temporary livestock import limit from Texas, and other states are watching closely as the parasite spreads north through the region. Pediatric care court fight: In Houston, Texas Children’s Hospital says it has “exhausted all medically viable options” for a 2-year-old after a Memorial Day drowning, while the family seeks more time and transfer to other hospitals ahead of a June 11 hearing. Nursing home watch: CMS ownership/CMS-rating updates highlighted a mix of outcomes across Texas facilities, including several low-star homes alongside a few higher-rated public and non-profit centers. Animal health surge: East Texas vets report a worst-in-a-decade flea and tick season, with rising demand for prevention and concerns about tick-borne illness risk.

New World Screwworm Response: Texas officials and Gov. Greg Abbott expanded disaster declarations after USDA confirmed the first U.S. case in a 3-week-old calf in Zavala County, triggering quarantines, an “infested zone,” movement restrictions for warm-blooded animals, and plans to ship sterile flies and ramp up surveillance. Animal Health Guidance: The Texas Veterinary Medical Association urged pet owners statewide to watch for wounds and infection signs, stressing there’s no need for panic and that treatments and response efforts are already underway in South Texas. Out-of-State Monitoring: Kansas, Colorado, and Georgia activated preparedness steps after the Texas detection, with leaders emphasizing the pest is not a food-safety issue but can threaten livestock and raise costs if it spreads. Caffeine Crackdown: Texas AG Ken Paxton launched an investigation into Celsius/Alani Nu, alleging marketing to teens and citing a lawsuit tied to a teen death and high caffeine levels. Care Access in Texas: Arlington launched a Nurse Navigation Program to route some 911 calls to registered nurses for non-life-threatening issues, aiming to reduce ambulance strain. Statewide Food Rules: DSHS opened applications for a new statewide mobile food vendor license starting July 1, replacing the need for separate local licenses.

Livestock Health Alert: The New World screwworm fly has been confirmed in south Texas for the first time since 1966, with larvae found in a 3-week-old calf in La Pryor/Zavala County, triggering quarantines, a 20-kilometer control zone, movement restrictions, expanded surveillance, and sterile-fly releases as officials warn ranchers and pet owners to monitor wounds and report suspected cases. Public Health & Safety: Officials stress the food supply is safe because screwworms don’t infect meat, fruits, or vegetables, but the parasite can infest warm-blooded animals—including pets and, rarely, humans—making early treatment key. Care Quality Watch (CMS): CMS Q1 2026 nursing home ratings spotlight big swings across Texas: Pleasant Manor Healthcare Rehabilitation (Ellis) earned 4 stars, while Collinwood Nursing and Rehabilitation (Collin) and Lily Springs (Lampasas) were rated 1 star, with multiple facilities also reporting fines and penalties. Privacy & Health Records: KFF Health News reports HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is seeking access to identifiable medical records via state data systems to study links between vaccines and autism, raising legal and privacy concerns among public health leaders. Community CPR Push: The American Heart Association marked CPR & AED Awareness Week in Corpus Christi with hands-on training and honored local “Heartsaver Heroes” after real-life saves.

Livestock Health Alert: USDA confirmed the New World screwworm in a 3-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas—the first U.S. case since 1966—prompting quarantines, livestock movement limits, and sterile fly releases as officials say there’s no food-safety risk but the threat to animals is real. Border Monitoring: Hidalgo County leaders say they’re watching closely and coordinating with state and federal partners after the Zavala detection. State Consumer Protection: Texas AG Ken Paxton opened an investigation into Celsius/Alani Nu energy drinks over alleged youth marketing and caffeine risks, citing a lawsuit tied to a Texas teen’s death. Cancer Care Update: A Dallas-area biotech reported a major pancreatic cancer advance: a Phase 3 pill nearly doubled survival for metastatic patients versus standard chemotherapy. Access & Outcomes: A national analysis using UNOS data finds more adults survive longer on the transplant waitlist and after surgery, but unmet need—especially for kidneys—still outpaces supply. Rural Pediatrics: Texas HHSC is offering up to $10M for rural pediatric telemedicine grants to connect families with specialists closer to home. Public Health Watch: A report ranks McAllen, El Paso, and San Antonio among America’s most overweight cities, with high obesity and diabetes rates driving concern.

USDA & Texas Animal Health Response: USDA confirmed a New World screwworm case in South Texas, triggering quarantines, movement controls, expanded trapping, and sterile fly releases as officials warn the pest could devastate livestock—though the food supply isn’t at risk. Nursing Home Watch (CMS ratings): CMS data highlighted mixed Texas long-term care outcomes: Parkview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (Howard County) earned a 4-star Q1 score with no fines; Avir at Corpus Christi (Nueces) rated 3 stars; but Valley Grande Manor (Hidalgo) fell to a 1-star rating with multiple fines/penalties, and Focused Care at Hogan Park (Midland) also scored 1 star. Medicare Fraud Settlement: Matrix Medical Network and HealthFair agreed to pay $56.5M to resolve allegations of false Medicare Advantage diagnosis coding. Cancer Research (Texas): Baylor and University of Michigan researchers reported findings in Nature Immunology that challenge a core idea about how immune pathways work against cancer. Public Health & Wellness: Texas A&M AgriLife promoted a Mediterranean eating class in Rosenberg, while Houston-area mosquito monitoring continues as West Nile risk rises after rain.

Sleep & Health: A new explainer digs into why “enough hours” isn’t the whole story—sleep quality and sleep quantity work together, and experts say there’s no one-size-fits-all number for adults. Cancer Research: At ASCO, a growing body of studies is pointing to a possible link between GLP-1 drugs (like Ozempic and Wegovy) and lower cancer rates, with researchers calling the signal “super promising.” Hospital Care for Seniors: South Texas Health System’s STHS Heart in Edinburg earned Level 3 Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation, highlighting specialized emergency protocols for older adults with multiple chronic conditions. Workforce & Training: Vernon College won more than $484,000 in state grants to expand nursing education with a new simulation lab and equipment. Texas Border Livestock Alert: USDA says New World screwworm is now about 25 miles from the U.S. border, with samples being tested and Texas ramping up response to protect cattle. Policy Watch: Texas Children’s Hospital settlement terms require a detransition clinic and related services, including endocrinology, surgery access, fertility counseling, and mental health care.

Nursing Home Watch (CMS ratings): Hallettsville Nursing and Rehabilitation (Lavaca County) held a 2-star CMS rating in Q1 2026, while Ennis Care Center (Ellis County) led local bed capacity but also posted a low 1-star rating—both point to ongoing staffing and quality pressure in Texas long-term care. Local Health Budgets: Kerr County commissioners wrestled with a 13% employee health insurance premium spike tied to high claim costs, weighing options that could shift costs onto the county or employees. Public Health & Safety: A carbon monoxide leak at Terrell Healthcare Center sent fewer than five people to the hospital; crews shut off gas and ventilated the building after detectors alerted them. Aging & Care Capacity: Frank M. Tejeda Texas State Veterans Home (Wilson County) earned a top 5-star CMS rating in Q1 2026 with no fines or penalties, while Park View Nursing Care Center (Bailey County) posted a 1-star rating and paid a fine. Community Support: Katy ISD is running a summer meals program for kids 18 and under, with meals served at multiple campuses during set morning and midday hours. Health Innovation: Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine are joining BrainGate to advance brain-computer interface tech aimed at helping people with paralysis control assistive robotic devices.

Texas Health Equity & Research: Dr. Godfred Boateng, a Ghanaian-born global health scholar with a Texas A&M role, is pushing health equity research that links disease outcomes to inequality, poverty, and environmental risk. Medicaid Policy: CMS released rules that could add work/education/community engagement requirements for many Medicaid expansion adults starting Jan. 1, 2027, with major exemptions for groups like pregnant people and people with disabilities. Pediatric Care in Texas: New settlement terms say Texas Children’s Hospital must create a detransition clinic within 90 days and maintain a list of “potential” gender-affirming care patients, tied to Texas AG action and SB 14. Public Health & Safety: Houston Methodist highlights why summer allergies can hit harder in certain neighborhoods due to extended pollen seasons plus mold and dust mites. Legal/Health Access: Texas AG Ken Paxton sued Denton over a Pride swim event’s gender-neutral changing rooms, arguing it violates the state’s bathroom/locker-room law. Food & Health Risks: Paxton also announced a glyphosate residue probe, sending CIDs to major pesticide/food companies including Bayer and PepsiCo. Community Health: A new $36M YMCA facility is set to open in Georgetown with pool and fitness upgrades aimed at youth, family, and senior wellness. Local Tragedy: A family is seeking answers after a deputy fatally shot an 18-year-old Texas State student during a Lake Jackson chase, with disputes over whether he was unarmed.

Medical Devices & Procurement: Houston-based BVM says many hospital buying decisions start before formal RFPs, and it’s launching an SEO framework to help early-stage device makers show up when clinical teams search by procedure and clinical fit. Cardiology Drug Comparison: A new review of invasive coronary care trials finds prasugrel offers the best overall balance of fewer major heart events without added major bleeding versus clopidogrel and ticagrelor. Cancer Research Update: Sumitomo Pharma America shared first clinical data on SMP-3124LP, a PEGylated liposome CHK1 inhibitor, presented at ASCO 2026. Obesity & Heart Health: An American Heart Association statement emphasizes exercise improves blood pressure, sugar control, and cholesterol even when weight loss is modest or absent. Texas Emergency Care: Evadale’s new ambulance service aims to cut response times to about 5–10 minutes after a local station launched via a county contract. Workplace Safety Staffing: A national look at EHS safety managers highlights rising OSHA compliance demands and the growing push toward centralized safety documentation tools. Pet Health: A McKinney pet resort offers “allergy relief” grooming to reduce seasonal irritants that drive scratching and licking. Workforce Recognition: Peterson Health was named a 2026 “Best Places to Work in Healthcare” winner by Modern Healthcare.

Public Health & Safety: A multi-state Salmonella outbreak tied to backyard poultry is still hitting Texas, with young children among the most affected; CDC investigators say prevention hinges on hygiene and avoiding unsupervised handling of chicks/ducklings. Infectious Disease Preparedness: CEPI announced $60 million for clinical trials of Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine candidates, including Moderna’s $50 million mRNA effort, as the DRC outbreak continues to spread. Community Health Access: Planet Fitness is offering free summer memberships for El Paso teens (ages 14–19) through its High School Summer Pass program, aiming to keep kids active during the break. Men’s Health: Craft Body Scan launched a Men’s Health Month campaign with a discounted Couples Heart & Lung Scan for $149, pushing earlier screening for heart and lung risks. Local Health Governance: Victoria City Council will consider reappointments to the Victoria Health Facilities Development Corporation Board and the Board of Health, plus updates tied to public health oversight. Health Misinformation: A cardiology discussion highlights how medical misinformation can harm patient decisions and public health.

Heat & Health: Houston residents are being warned that extreme heat is already driving up ER visits, and a new report flags how to spot when you’re just surviving—not thriving—in the humidity. Sleep & Brain Health: Texas A&M researchers say irregular sleep schedules can push the brain toward inflammation and cognitive aging, even after people return to normal routines. Pediatric Dental Access: In Killeen, uninsured kids got free dental care during “Sharing Smiles Day,” highlighting ongoing gaps in affordable oral health services across Texas. Cancer Research (Texas-linked): Houston Methodist presented new phase 2b results on pemvidutide for MASH, while ASCO coverage includes improved outcomes from targeted colorectal and pancreatic cancer regimens tied to Texas institutions. Public Safety & Care: A Houston man was found shot dead after a prior police detention, and a New York Times/San Antonio Express-News investigation raises concerns about Texas school police using force on students for minor misconduct. Community Wellness: Corpus Christi mini-bike riders say enforcement crackdowns are colliding with a hobby they use for recovery and sobriety support.

Pancreatic Cancer Breakthrough (Texas ties): At ASCO 2026, Houston’s MD Anderson oncologists highlighted daraxonrasib, a phase 3 pancreatic cancer pill that more than doubled median overall survival in previously treated metastatic patients (13.2 vs 6.7 months), with major progression-free gains—oncology experts called it a “grand slam.” Bladder Cancer Care (Houston urology): UroToday’s Houston-based bladder cancer specialist Dr. Peter Black discussed where bladder-sparing strategies are heading for high-grade non-muscle-invasive disease, including practical takeaways for clinicians. Eye Disease Research (ASCO/retina): Retina World Congress updates focused on new approaches for wet AMD and DME, including sustained retinal disease control and expanded treatment algorithms. Public Health Watch (Texas): CDC reporting on the 2025 West Texas measles outbreak found most hospitalizations were children, including pregnant adults, underscoring vaccination gaps and severe outcomes. Air Quality Alert (Texas region): Parts of Texas (plus Louisiana/Arkansas) saw “unhealthy” to “very unhealthy” air quality pockets, raising risks for kids, older adults, and people with asthma or heart/lung disease. Ebola Preparedness (Texas): Mexico imposed travel restrictions tied to Central Africa Ebola activity, while Texas public health officials continued monitoring travelers arriving from affected areas.

Cancer Care Breakthrough (Texas): New ASCO 2026 results from the ROADS trial say radioactive collagen tiles placed during brain metastasis surgery outperform standard postoperative stereotactic radiation—cutting surgical-site recurrence to about 1.3% vs 15.4% and more than doubling median overall survival (42.5 vs 17.6 months). Immigration Detention Lawsuit (West Texas): ACLU of Texas and partners filed suit to stop ICE from operating Camp East Montana, alleging severe medical neglect, violent force, disease risk, and excessive solitary confinement. Nursing Home Watch (El Paso): CMS rated Pebble Creek Nursing Center 1 out of 5 in Q1 2026, with multiple penalties and $218,960 in fines. Public Health & Travel (Ebola): Mexico announced air entry restrictions for travelers from Central Africa ahead of the World Cup; WHO updates continue as screenings expand at major U.S. airports. Community Health Funding (Houston area): UHCL received a $500,000 grant to expand parent-directed autism treatment via Connecting the Dots, aiming to reduce waitlists for evidence-based care. Safety & Injury (Tyler): A 5-year-old was critically injured in a Tyler apartment shooting; police say an armed suspect remains at large.

Ebola Monitoring: Tarrant County Public Health is screening and monitoring travelers returning from Ebola-affected countries, with the risk described as low and no community spread reported. Child Safety & Substance Exposure: A northwest Austin Montessori school says a 4-year-old was hospitalized after eating a THC-infused lollipop from a birthday goodie bag; officials warn cannabis edibles can be mistaken for candy. Pediatric Transplant Update: Texas Children’s Hospital says 2-year-old Kylie Overfield, who received a rare double-lung transplant in 2024, has died after rejection and adenovirus complications. Mosquito Season Watch: Corpus Christi is seeing higher mosquito activity after recent rains, with vector crews spraying and residents urged to prevent bites. Emergency Care Capacity: UMC Health System in Lubbock opened a new dual helipad to speed critical patient transfers, closing the older single helipad. Public Health Alerts: Doctors warn a viral TikTok challenge has sent teens to ERs for Benadryl overdoses, stressing the risk of cardiac and respiratory arrest. Local Health & Safety: Students were safely rescued after a roller coaster malfunction at Galveston’s Pleasure Pier left riders stranded high above ground.