Texas reports cases of mysterious kidney disease among outdoor workers

A mysterious form of kidney disease known as chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu), or Mesoamerican nephropathy, has surfaced in Texas. The condition has previously devastated agricultural workers in Central America and South Asia, affecting young to middle-aged adults who often lack traditional risk factors such as diabetes or hypertension.

In Texas, cases have been reported among workers, many of whom are undocumented laborers from Mexico and Central America, performing strenuous outdoor tasks like construction or roofing in extreme heat. Medical experts note that these patients often present with kidney failure despite being otherwise healthy, sometimes exhibiting urine that appears “Coca-Cola colored.”

Researchers believe heat stress, dehydration, and occupational environmental factors—such as exposure to pesticides or smoke from burning crops—may play significant roles in the disease's development. Because CKDu is often a “silent disease,” many patients are only diagnosed after reaching advanced stages of kidney failure. Currently, there are no specific tests or treatments for the condition, though experts suggest improving hydration, shade, and work schedules to mitigate risks.