Creekview Middle School Reopens After Norovirus Closure; Medical City Fort Worth Plans Helipad and Garage

ByBrian “Weence” Bateman

Fort Worth, TX – March 9, 2026 – A suspected norovirus outbreak closed a Fort Worth middle school for deep cleaning as hospital expansion plans advance.

A suspected norovirus outbreak prompted a temporary campus closure in north Fort Worth, while new state filings outline future infrastructure upgrades at a major city hospital.

Creekview Middle School Closed for Disinfecting

Creekview Middle School in Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD closed for one day on Feb. 27 following reports of gastrointestinal illness consistent with norovirus, according to district officials and Tarrant County Public Health.

The district said the closure allowed for additional disinfecting in line with public health guidance. Other campuses in EMS ISD remained open. The school was expected to resume its normal schedule on Monday, March 2.

Public health officials noted that norovirus activity in the community appears elevated. Outbreaks are more likely in group settings such as schools, child care facilities, shelters, hospitals and long-term care centers.

Medical City Fort Worth Files Plans for Helipad, Parking Garage

Separate from the school outbreak, a recent Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filing highlights plans for a new helipad and parking garage at Medical City Fort Worth, located at 900 8th Ave.

The filing lists an estimated project cost of about $41.1 million and a projected timeline from Dec. 1, 2026, through Feb. 4, 2028. A hospital spokesperson indicated that more details would be released closer to construction.

Helipads are typically used to support air ambulance transfers for time-sensitive emergencies, while expanded parking can improve access and traffic flow for patients, visitors and staff on busy medical campuses.

Flu Activity Remains Elevated Nationally

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in its latest FluView update that seasonal influenza activity remains elevated nationwide. Influenza A activity has been declining, while influenza B is increasing in many areas.

The CDC classified the season as moderate overall to date, with higher severity noted among pediatric age groups. Elevated flu activity can affect emergency department volumes and hospital capacity during peak weeks.

What Residents Should Know

School and household outbreaks of stomach illness can spread quickly in close-contact settings. Local health officials advise following school district updates and public health guidance when illnesses are reported.

Residents can monitor updates from the City of Fort Worth and Tarrant County Public Health for community health notices, vaccination information and outbreak alerts.

If you have urgent symptoms, seek medical care. For general questions, talk with a licensed clinician.

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Brian “Weence” Bateman is a health and medical writer who covers public health updates, healthcare policy, and medical developments affecting communities across the United States. He works closely with dentists and healthcare providers and focuses on making complex medical information clear, accurate, and useful for everyday readers.