A stomach bug makes an unwelcome appearance

A stomach-churning foodborne infection is suddenly in the news again this summer — and it seems to have Bexar County in its crosshairs. The Texas Department of State Health Services is issuing warnings about cyclospora, a parasite often associated with raw produce. While they’re still trying to figure out the source of the problem, the largest number of cases have been identified in Bexar and Travis County. Of 156 cases reported statewide, Travis has had 31 cases and Bexar 24. University Health System’s laboratory confirmed four cases in the week ending July 28 alone. All four of the patients were between ...Read More >

Your kids and meningitis: What you need to know

Their backpacks are packed and their pencils are sharpened, but without the meningitis vaccination, your teenager may not be ready for school this fall. What do parents need to know about meningitis? Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective tissues surrounding the brain and part of the spinal cord. It’s usually caused by a very contagious bacteria or virus. Meningitis can be very serious with long-term negative health effects including: Memory loss Coordination problems or clumsiness Epilepsy/seizures Loss of vision Speech problems Paralysis And in some cases, meningitis can even be deadly. Because meningitis is so contagious, it’s important that ...Read More >

The risk of opting out

It’s a growing trend that worries doctors, educators and public health officials — parents declining to vaccinate their children. Vaccine refusal rates have been on the rise in Texas. The number of unvaccinated children has reached an alarming 45,000-plus, putting them — and others around them — at risk for several serious diseases, including diphtheria and measles, experts warn. And the trend line is getting steeper. “We have seen a nearly 20-fold increase in the past 10 to 15 years,” said Dr. Ryan Van Ramshorst, a UT Health San Antonio pediatrician. “It’s one of the public health concerns that I ...Read More >