Texas spring is an early indicator of summer. While mornings may begin at a mild 60°F, temperatures often quickly rise into the 80s by midday. To ensure the community stays safe as the heat intensifies, Cook Children's Health Care System experts Viviana Esparza, program coordinator for community health, and Sharon Evans, trauma injury prevention manager, are urging families to stay informed.  Their goal is simple: preventing

“Never leave your child alone in a car, not even for a second,” said Evans.

The first hot car death in the nation this year was reported in late March. A 1-year-old in Florida was left in the vehicle while the outside temperature was 86 degrees.

“In just 10 minutes temperatures can rise 20 degrees in a car,” explained Esparza.

In 2025, Texas recorded eight hot car deaths, nationwide 31 hot car deaths were reported according to noheatstroke.com. Data from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) shows the state surpassed the number of hot car deaths in early July with four fatalities. These figures make vehicular heatstroke the second-leading cause of vehicle-related deaths for children under 15, trailing only car crashes.

“A child's body heats up about three to five times faster than an adult and so the heat really takes a toll on them,” explained Evans.

The data behind the danger

According to Kids and Car Safety, 52.9% of hot car child deaths occur when a child is forgotten. Parents or caregivers can suffer from exhaustion due to lack of sleep, stress, and changes in their normal routine. Any one of these can cause a parent or caregiver's memory to fail at a time when it’s least expected.

Additionally, 23.8% of these deaths are due to a child gaining access to an unlocked vehicle or a child getting the keys. Evans recommends teaching toddlers and preschool-aged children to honk the horn if they become trapped, enabling them to draw attention to the vehicle.

Esparza noted the third most common cause is knowingly leaving a child in a vehicle for a quick errand. DSHS emphasizes a cracked window does not protect a child or pet from heatstroke.

Prevention is Key

Evans and Esparza encourage families to remember the acronym ACT to prevent a hot car death.

• A: AVOID heatstroke and other heat-related injuries by never leaving your child alone in a car, not even for a minute. When the vehicle is at home, keep the doors locked and keys or key fobs out of a child's reach.
• C: CREATE reminders. Place an item you need in the back of your car or next to your child, such as a bag, wallet or cellphone. This is especially important if you're not following your normal routine. If your child is with a care provider, ensure vehicle-related procedures are in place, such as vehicle searches or locking vehicles when not in use. Use technology to your advantage and use apps or other communication methods with your childcare provider.
• T: TAKE action. If you see a child alone in a car, call 9-1-1. Emergency personnel want you to call, and they are trained to respond swiftly to these situations. One call could save a life.

Related stories:

• Preventing Hot Car Tragedies: Experts Offer Vital Tips as Texas Sees Spike in Child Deaths
• How to Spot a Counterfeit Car Seat
• Expert Tips for a Safe Spring Break: Car Safety

 The Las Vegas Trail Workforce Development Training Program is a partnership with Cook Children’s, JPS Health Network, Tarrant County College (TCC) and Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County. The initiative equips adults with the essential skills for the medical administrative field, ranging from medical office duties to patient- and family-centered care. 

“What makes this cohort and this type of training program different is that we guarantee interviews once the students complete the 12-week training program,” explained Christine Hernandez, Cook Children’s manager of workforce development. 

 For Kierra Miles, the program is a bridge to a lifelong dream of becoming a pediatric psychiatrist. A mother of one who grew up near the Las Vegas Trail neighborhood, Miles discovered the opportunity through her apartment’s resident portal. 

 “This is a good program because it works within communities that don't have the resources that everyone else has,” said Miles. 

 The neighborhood was once a thriving job market anchored by Carswell Air Force Base. In 1993, the base closed its active-duty operations, resulting in an economic decline in the area.   

 “The goal is to give our students educational training so they are able to find a role that will change their economic ability,” said Hernandez. 

The lack of stable and meaningful employment has led to an increase in poverty and crime in the Las Vegas Trail neighborhood. Cook Children’s Health Care System understands that health is not just about physical condition. It encompasses all aspects of the patient’s being. The training program is one way to ensure the health of the community, Hernandez explains.  

 “When you have the stress of not having a job, not having financial stability, giving these individuals an educational opportunity will help these future health care workers improve their overall lifestyle and well-being,” said Hernandez.  

 Mock interviews

 Weeks before graduation, students sat down for mock interviews with hiring managers and human resources staff from JPS and Cook Children’s. It was a chance to practice communication skills taught in class, focus on empathy, and receive real-time feedback from the people who might soon be their colleagues. 

“The training program was designed with the intention of making sure that we're focused on the customer service skills that we are looking for to hire people in our organization,” explained Hernandez. 

 Jazmine Montejo Williamson, a mother of three, enjoyed speaking with employees from both health care entities to determine where she would be the best fit. 

 “It's not just them trying to hire us; we get to see if we would be a good fit with them as well,” said Williamson.  

She wants to return to the medical field. Williamson learned about the opportunity while at her current job. On her days off, she studies at the neighborhood health center. The mother of three says that thanks to her faith and the support of her family, she has not missed a day of class. 

 “My children tell me that they're proud of me,” said Williamson as tears welled up in her eyes. 

 Her goal is to work in public relations for Cook Children’s. 

 A new chapter 

 On Dec. 18, the class reached a milestone: it became the first graduating class. During a private graduation ceremony, each student received a certificate of completion from Tarrant County College. 

 For Miles, the certificate represents more than a credential. It means a new sense of self.  

 “I feel way more confident,” she said. “I have the skills and the courage to actually go out and do it.” 

 Those moments make Hernandez proud, and as she reflected on the program’s impact on both the community and the participants’ families, she teared up. 

 “I see a lot of growth from them from the day that they walked into the program today,” said Hernandez. “To get to see the program come to fruition and see the final step, graduation, is a proud moment for me both professionally and personally. I am really looking forward to them using their new skills to land their dream job.” 

 Graduates have begun interviewing with JPS and Cook Children’s. Once a graduate is hired, they will go through that organization’s hiring process.  

 The next program begins in February. The deadline to register is Jan. 15.  Interested applicants can apply here.  

 Colton was diagnosed with Dravet Syndrome just before he turned one.

 “We didn’t know anything about Dravet,” said Mindi Ragsdale, Colton’s mom.

 As a newborn, Colton passed all screenings, but at just a few months old, he began having seizures lasting up to 20 minutes. The infant was airlifted from his hometown of Hobbs, New Mexico, to Lubbock, where he was diagnosed with epilepsy.

Driven by a mother's intuition, Mindi began researching what was causing the seizures and learned about Dravet syndrome, a rare disease. Dravet is estimated to occur in 1 in 15000. Her pediatrician recommended Cook Children's Medical Center in Fort Worth, one of the largest clinics in the United States specializing in Dravet Syndrome.

 Scott Perry, M.D., head of Neurosciences at the Jane and John Justin Institute for Mind Health at Cook Children’s, explains that Dravet syndrome typically begins in an otherwise healthy child around 6 months old with the onset of seizures.

 “When we went in, it all just fell right into place because Dr. Perry had already treated kiddos with Dravet. It was like it was all meant to be,” recalls Mindi.

 Dr. Perry listened to Mindi and did genetic testing. Dravet syndrome is most often caused by a variant in a gene called SCN1A.

 Colton was admitted to the hospital, where Dr. Perry monitored his seizures. It was Dr. Perry’s demeanor and knowledge that helped put Mindi at ease.

 “He was just so down to earth and just so knowledgeable,” said Mindi.

 Dr. Perry says listening to parents is imperative when trying to find a diagnosis.

 “Every time you see them, it is an opportunity to hear the story from the very beginning to where you are now,” said Dr. Perry. “Sometimes you have to step back and see the whole story.”

 For years, the family traveled from New Mexico to Fort Worth for medical appointments. In 2023, the Ragsdales moved to Fort Worth. They say it changed the family’s life.

 “It’s like we didn’t have to live in a bubble for the first time in five to six years,” said Mindi.

 Going to a new place could trigger a seizure, making the family cautious about outings. Now, just 20 minutes from Cook Children’s Medical Center – Fort Worth, the family has been able to explore new places together.

 “We've learned through the therapies at the school how to help him cope,” explained Mindi.

 At 11 years old, Colton began attending Jo Kelly full-time, a significant milestone for him.

 Jo Kelly School

 Colton begins each day at Jo Kelly by checking his communication schedule. Each picture card visually guides him through his school routine, from washing his hands to reading.

 “I feel my job here is to not only make the students' life better, but to make their home life better,” said Baldacci.

 That impact is already being felt. Colton, who previously communicated primarily through screaming and yelling, now uses an eye-gaze tablet to express himself.

 “If he wants to do more of something, then he can look at that and he can do more of it,” said Mindi.

 Baldacci adds that Colton recently met a communication milestone: He was able to tell her to stop an activity to move on to another.

 “For the first time, he finished and touched [the card] without pushing the whole thing,” said Baldacci.

 Connecting families to resources

 Mindi credits Cook Children's with being a bridge to local resources. She learned about Jo Kelly from another mom while waiting for Colton's appointment.

 “I was asking her about her wheelchair because Colton had a regular wheelchair,” said Mindi.

The wheelchair was provided through Jo Kelly, which led Mindi to begin the enrollment process. The school, which focuses on medically fragile children from ages 3 to 22, has two teachers for three students, a nurse, and three medical assistants on campus. A specialized cafeteria on campus focuses on preparing food based on students' needs.

 “His syndrome is so complex it was important to me to have somebody medically there at all times,” said Mindi.

 It was the reassurance she needed, and Dr. Perry encouraged her to enroll Colton.

 "It's not just my job to help pick the right medicines and treatments, but when they need these services, they need somebody generally to advocate for why the service is a value to them and how it's going to help them," Dr. Perry said.

 The Ragsdales say their move has been a night-and-day change. Enjoying making memories as a family, Mindi shared that Colton had his first photo with Santa, an opportunity the school set up for the students.

 It was a small moment that meant a lot.

 “When we would have been doing that type of stuff, we were fighting his seizures and all of his medical issues,” shared Mindi.

Students have a routine that includes reading, circle time, time on the handicap-accessible playground, cooking class, and time in the sensory room.

"It's really neat that Jo Kelly tries to make it as normal as possible," Mindi said. "Even though their lives are so far from normal, they still try to incorporate all that."

El martes, Cook Children's Medical Center en Fort Worth atendió 572 pacientes en el departamento de emergencia. En los siete Centros de Cuidado de Urgencia hubo 842 pacientes. Entre el 10 de noviembre y 16 de noviembre Cook Children's Medical Center en Prosper evaluaron a 113 pacientes por Virus Respiratorio Sincitial (RSV, por sus siglas en ingles) y 29 resultaron positivos.

Cook Children's Medical Center en Prosper también ha notado un gran volumen de pacientes en la sala de emergencia. La mayoría de los pacientes admitidos ha sido debido a VRS, influenza o neumonía.

El aumento de las visitas al hospital se debe a una fuerte propagación del VRS y neumonía ambulante (mycoplasma pneumoniae) en Dallas-Fort Worth.

Cada año por estas fechas, los casos de VRS aumentan más rápidamente de lo habitual este año, dijo El Director Médico de Servicios de Emergencia, Dr. Taylor Louden.

"Hemos visto a más de 1,100 pacientes en los últimos dos días a través de la sala de emergencias, y ha sido es muy difícil para nosotros manejar este volumen de una sola vez", dijo Louden.

De los 972 pacientes examinados en Cook Children's Medical Center entre el 10 y el 16 de noviembre, el 39% de los niños tenían VRS o neumonía ambulante. De ellos, 224 dieron positivo para el VRS y 99 resultaron positivos para neumonía.

¿Qué es el VRS y cuando debo de ir a la sala de emergencia?

El VSR generalmente afecta más a niños menores de dos años y puede causar una acumulación de moco y congestión que dificulta la respiración de los niños. Los padres deben tomar precauciones para limitar la propagación del virus. Quédese en casa si están enfermos. La vacuna contra el VRS está disponible para mujeres embarazadas, bebes, y personas mayores.

Si su hijo está enfermo, los padres y cuidadores pueden ayudar a reducir el estrés en el sistema de servicios de emergencia sabiendo cuándo llevar a su hija a la sala de emergencia y cuándo programar una cita. Limitar el tráfico de la sala de emergencias a verdaderas emergencias ayuda a evitar que el sistema se sobrecargué.

Si su hijo está enfermo, pero no tiene problemas agudos, consulte con su pediatra. Si es posible, programe una cita con unos de los Centros de Cuidado de Urgencia en lugar de visitar la sala de emergencias.

El tratamiento para el VSR es monitoreando y tratando los síntomas. No hay cura para el virus. Muchas enfermedades respiratorias virales se pueden tratar en casa con descanso, hidratación y electrolitos. Para la congestión, los padres y cuidadores pueden usar solución salina nasal para diluir la mucosidad y succionarla con una pera.

¿Qué es neumonía ambulante?

Desde el verano casos de neumonía ambulante han estado alto, dijo Louden. Entre el 10 y el 16 de noviembre, 99 niños resultaron positivos para la enfermedad. A comparación del año pasado, durante la misma temporada, Cook Children's reportó menos de 10 de casos de neumonía ambulante entre agosto y diciembre.

La neumonía ambulante suele afectar a los niños en edad escolar. Algunos de los síntomas incluyen: fiebre leve, fatiga y tos. La mayoría de los casos de neumonía atípica se pueden tratar con antibióticos, pero si su hijo tiene neumonía y ha tenido fiebre durante más de cinco días y/o dificultad para respirar, busque atención de emergencia.

La neumonía, el VRS, la gripe y el COVID-19 pueden tener síntomas similares. La gripe y el COVID-19 también pueden incluir dolor de garganta, dolores de cabeza, dolores corporales, escalofríos y cambios/pérdida del gusto y el olfato. Los padres no deben acudir a atención de urgencia ni al departamento de emergencias para hacerse una prueba de RSV, gripe o COVID. Su pediatra puede realizar pruebas para todos estos.

En muchos casos, los médicos pueden evaluar y tratar a un paciente mediante una cita de salud virtual. Descargue la aplicación MyCookChildrens para programar una cita virtual de salud/telemedicina aquí.

¿Cuándo acudir la sala de emergencia?

•  La temperatura mayor de 100.4F o 38°C en bebes menores de dos meses, es una emergencia médica.
•  Si su hijo tiene fiebre por más de tres días, comuníquese con su pediatra o el centro de cuidado de urgencia.
• Preocupación por deshidratación.  En bebes deshidratados habrá menos pañales mojados o falta de lágrimas. La fontanela hundida puede ser un signo de deshidratación.   
• Su hijo está respirando inusualmente rápido y se puede ver la piel entre las costillas.
• Su hijo requiere más su inhalador de rescate o los síntomas de asma empeoran

Síntomas

Síntomas de Virus Respiratorio Sincitial (RSV, por sus siglas en ingles) en bebes menores de 6 meses:

• Irritabilidad
• Letargo
• Apetito reducido
•  Episodios en donde dejan de respirar
•  Fiebre

Síntomas en bebes y niños mayores de 6 meses:

• Mocos
• Congestión
• Apetito reducido
• Tos
• Estornudos
• Fiebre
• A veces sibilancias

¿Cómo prevenir?

•  Nunca es tarde para vacunarse. Llame a su pediatra para obtener la vacuna contra el COVID-19 y la influenza.
• Adopte buenas prácticas de higiene como cubrirse al toser y estornudar.
•  Lavarse o desinfectarse las manos a menudo.
•  Limpiar las superficies que se tocan con frecuencia.
•  Si usted o su hijo se sienten mal, quédense en casa para prevenir la propagación de enfermedad. Tome tiempo para descansar y manténganse hidratado.

The Texas Department of State Health Services has not reported an outbreak.  

Cook Children’s pediatricians Devona Martin, M.D., and Jenica Rose-Stine, D.O., say they have seen a surge in cases at their primary care clinic in Willow Park, Texas.  

“Over the past few months, we have noticed a big increase in the number of cases of salmonella,” Dr. Martin said. “This usually presents as diarrhea that has blood or mucus and fever. Each case is reported to the Health Department to try to track down a cause, but a common source has not been identified.”  

Since July, the Emergency Department at Cook Children’s Medical Center – Fort Worth has also reported increased numbers of patients with salmonella.  

“In the ED, we usually see less than 20 patients per month with a diarrheal illness caused by salmonella,” said Stephanie Felton, D.O., associate medical director of the Cook Children’s Emergency Department. “In the month of July, we had 43 positive cases. We had 59 in August, 71 in September, and 74 in October.”  

Last week at Cook Children’s, 11 out of 229 patients tested for Salmonella were positive, resulting in a 5% positivity rate.  

Dr. Felton, Dr. Martin, and Dr. Rose-Stine provide answers to commonly asked questions about Salmonella.  

What is salmonella?  

Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness and fever called salmonellosis. It is one of the most common causes of foodborne illness in the United States.  

What is the difference between salmonella and E. coli?  

Although salmonella and E. coli cause similar illnesses, they are different kinds of bacteria. E. coli more commonly produces a toxin that can lead to kidney damage, a condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome. This isn’t seen as often with salmonella.  

What are the symptoms of a salmonella infection?  

Symptoms of salmonellosis are diarrhea with blood and/or mucus, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and fever. 

How do children contract salmonellosis?  

Salmonella infection can be contracted by consuming contaminated food products, including poultry, eggs, produce, infant formula, and water. It can also be spread through contact with infected animals, like reptiles and birds, or other people who are infected if strict hand hygiene isn’t followed.  

Is salmonella contagious?  

Yes, salmonella is contagious and can be spread by person-to-person contact or by touching contaminated surfaces. The incubation period usually is between eight and 72 hours following exposure. You may be asymptomatic during this time.  

Salmonella is not as contagious as the viral stomach bugs we often see.  

How can parents and caregivers prevent infection?  

We can prevent infection with proper hand washing, especially before eating and after touching animals. Make sure that your counter spaces and sinks are clear of any bottles, sippy cups, or dishware before washing any fruits or vegetables. Cook and prepare all poultry and meat products appropriately. 

Only use FDA-approved formulas for your infants. Thoroughly clean all bottles, pacifiers, and toys before handing them to your children.  

How are salmonella infections treated?  

Treatment primarily involves rehydration and rest. Infants less than three months old or children with moderate to severe illness may receive antibiotics. These infections usually clear on their own.  

What should parents do if they think their child has a salmonella infection?  

If you are worried about your child having salmonella, please contact your primary care physician. He or she can run stool studies to confirm the diagnosis.  

Unless your child has blood, mucus, or fever with their diarrheal illness, it’s likely a stomach virus and not salmonella. Keep your child at home and make sure they hydrate!  

If your child is acutely ill or if you are concerned about dehydration or prolonged fevers (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit for five days or greater) please bring your child to the Emergency Department for an evaluation.  

Katherine Brower was 11 years old and midway through her treatment for a rare and aggressive form of cancer at Cook Children’s when a Child Life Specialist asked her to start thinking about what she’d wish for.

“Katherine is one of the most creative individuals that I have ever met. I knew she would be a perfect Make-A-Wish candidate, not because of her diagnosis but because she is very humble,” said Laura Sonefeld.

At first, Katherine thought she’d wish for a trip to Disney World, but right before it was time to make her wish official, she changed her mind.

“I didn’t even know she was going to wish for a playhouse until she told Make-A-Wish,” said Carol Brower, Katherine’s mother.

After giving it a lot of thought, Katherine decided to wish for a place where she could have sleepovers with her friends, watch TV with her brother and do her homework. She had the whole house planned out, down to the paint colors and the furniture inside, and drew blueprints for the builder to follow.

Her mother says the plans were elaborate.

“I told her, ‘You know, whatever they do is going to be really cool, but I don’t know if it will be that cool.”

Soon after making her wish official, the work began. Construction crews were in and out of the family’s backyard for months, carrying lumber, lighting, flooring, and even electrical equipment. All of it was donated by local businesses.

"One of my favorite parts about my wish was just seeing it all come together over time," said Katherine.

Flash forward nearly a year and the pictures Katherine drew of her perfect playhouse have come to life. Make-A-Wish held an official wish reveal last week and Katherine finally got to see inside. Besides a desk for homework and a loft for sleepovers, there’s also a mini fridge, a microwave, a TV and even AC and heating so she can enjoy her playhouse year round.

“Having a wish to dream about during that difficult time really lifted her spirits,” said Carol. “Seeing it come together just shows there are good, kind, and caring people out there. It’s really encouraging.”

"I am so thankful for all of the work that so many people put in to make my wish special," said Katherine.

Now Katherine and her family have seen another wish come true.

She is no longer undergoing treatments and is well on her way to being a healthy and happy kid.

More information about Make-A-Wish North Texas

• 583 wishes granted in North Texas in 2015
• Cook Children’s referred 143 children to Make-A-Wish in 2015, helping add magic to the medicine
• Grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. It is a common misconception that these wishes are only granted to children with cancer. Children from many specialties including; cardiology, hematology, pulmonology, gastroenterology, nephrology, neurology, genetics and rheumatology have wishes granted.
• Speak to your health care team about Make-A-Wish or visit www.ntx.wish.org for more information.