Texas
Texas maintenance workers poisoned by fentanyl-laced flyer outside library
Two workers fell ill after being handed a fentanyl-laced flyer outside of a Texas library, according to authorities.
The pair of Montgomery County workers told police they were approached around 2:25 p.m. Tuesday by a woman in the parking lot of RB Tullis Library in New Caney who handed them a damp, pink-tinted flyer, Precinct 4 Constable Rowdy Hayden said in a statement.
About 30 minutes later, the employees began feeling shaky, dizzy, and experienced hot flashes, cops said.
After bringing the suspicious paper to the constable’s office, an evidence technician tested it and confirmed the presence of fentanyl, police added.
The letter appeared to contain a typed religious message, according to photos released by police.
Authorities urged residents to proceed with caution if offered any sketchy items.
“We urge everyone to exercise caution and avoid accepting items from unknown individuals in public settings. If you see something suspicious, please report it immediately,” the office said.
Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, can be lethal even in minuscule doses.
Retired Houston police officer Mark Stephens told ABC13 that the tainted flyer case is an example of how dangerous accidental exposure to the potent drug can be.
“You can’t just trust anyone anymore, especially when it comes to fentanyl,” Stephens told the outlet.
“It’s a deadly drug that can get into your system just by touch. I’ve seen officers go unconscious because the wind blew and they inhaled the powder. It’s a deadly, deadly drug,” he added.
The condition of two employees, who were identified to the outlet as maintenance workers, is not immediately clear.
The incident remains under investigation.
HOUSTON, TEXAS – MAY 27: Democratic Senate Candidate James Talarico speaks at a rally at Rich’s Houston on May 27, 2026 in Houston, Texas. Talarico held the rally after the primary runoff and to explain his plan on how he will take on Republican nominee Ken Paxton. (Photo by Danielle Villasana/Getty Images)
Texas has reported 48 cases of Cyclospora, a foodborne illness caused by a parasite that health experts say can lead to severe gastrointestinal symptoms.
Dr. David Winter, an internal medicine physician with Baylor Scott & White, said cyclospora infections typically increase during the summer. However, he said the current increase affecting several states could become the worst in years.
At least 20 people nationwide have been hospitalized with symptoms that can last for weeks.
“It’s really bad disease right now and sometimes you get in your intestines and that gives you these horrible cramps and gurgling and then diarrhea. In fact, the diarrhea is so bad, they call it explosive diarrhea,” Winter said.
Cyclospora is caused by a parasite rather than a virus or bacteria. Winter said the parasite multiplies inside the intestines, contributing to recurring symptoms.
“It’s a parasite. It’s not a virus, it is not bacteria. So the parasite, once it gets in your intestine, it starts to multiply. And then when it builds up a certain amount, then it comes out with this explosion, and then it starts multiply again,” Winter said.
The illness spreads through food or water contaminated with infected feces and is rarely transmitted from person to person.
The source of the current outbreak is unknown. Previous outbreaks have been linked to fresh fruits and vegetables, including basil, cilantro, raspberries and snow peas.
Doctors recommend thoroughly washing fresh produce before eating it to help reduce the risk of infection.
For many people, symptoms can be managed at home, and antibiotics are also effective, according to Winter.
He said patients with severe diarrhea should let their doctor know about their symptoms because many routine stool tests do not automatically screen for cyclospora.
“Most stool tests in laboratories don’t look for this. So you want to be sure and tell your doctor, I’ve got this, quote, explosive diarrhea. I’m cramping, I feel like hell, I have all this fatigue,” Winter said.
While the infection is uncommon, Winter said it can be especially difficult for those who become sick.
“It’s rare, but boy when you get it, it is tough,” Winter said.
This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC DFW. AI tools helped convert the story into a digital article, and an NBC DFW journalist edited it again before publication.
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