Texas workers face a baffling kidney illness tied to heat and dehydration
A surge of chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu), also known as Mesoamerican nephropathy, has been reported among young, healthy Texas workers in outdoor trades. The cases resemble Central American outbreaks, with patients lacking typical risk factors like diabetes or hypertension. Experts suspect a combination of heat stress, dehydration, pesticide exposure, and unsafe drinking water; no specific test or cure exists, and diagnosis is by excluding other kidney diseases. Management centers on blood pressure control and preventing further injury, with dialysis or transplantation in advanced disease. Early screening with creatinine and urine protein can catch problems before symptoms, but access to care remains challenging for undocumented or uninsured patients.
