Austin health watch: flu surveillance update, hospital experience awards, and emergency-response lessons
Austin, TX – March 4, 2026 – Flu surveillance shows continued activity, an EMS response roadblock drew scrutiny, and a public health panel meets.
Austin health and public-safety systems are balancing seasonal respiratory illness with lessons from a high-profile emergency response.
Flu activity remains elevated in Austin-Travis County
Austin Public Health’s influenza surveillance page, updated with data through Feb. 28, reports that flu activity in Texas is high and that CDC national reporting shows seasonal flu activity remains elevated.
Locally, the city reports six adult influenza-associated deaths so far this season in Travis County and five influenza-associated outbreaks reported in a school or long-term care facility this season. Austin Public Health notes the surveillance is used for tracking trends and does not capture all cases. The city also lists basic prevention steps such as handwashing, covering coughs and staying home when sick.
Hospitals recognized for patient experience
St. David’s HealthCare reported Feb. 26 that Press Ganey recognized Heart Hospital of Austin and St. David’s Surgical Hospital with 2025 Human Experience awards tied to patient-experience performance. According to the health system, Heart Hospital of Austin was recognized for emergency services and HCAHPS measures, while St. David’s Surgical Hospital was recognized for inpatient rehabilitation.
Emergency response spotlight after West Sixth Street shooting
In the March 1 shooting on West Sixth Street, Austin Police said 17 people were shot; three died and 14 were transported to the hospital. Separately, Axios Austin reported that a Waymo robotaxi briefly blocked an ambulance during the response, with Waymo and Austin-Travis County EMS confirming the incident. Austin-Travis County EMS said the situation was resolved quickly and did not significantly affect patient care.
Public health commission meets March 4
The Austin-Travis County Public Health Commission is scheduled to meet at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at Austin City Hall, according to the city’s event posting. The agenda is posted online through the city.
Sources
- https://www.austintexas.gov/department/respiratory-diseases
- https://www.stdavids.com/about-us/newsroom/heart-hospital-of-austin-st-davids-surgical-hospital-named-2025-human-experience-award-winners
- https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/austin/article/austin-6th-shooting-bufords-21948630.php
- https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/02/waymo-vehicle-blocks-ems-austin-mass-shooting
- https://www.austintexas.gov/event/austin-travis-county-public-health-commission-regular-meeting-29
If you have urgent symptoms, seek medical care. For general questions, talk with a licensed clinician.
