Fort Worth health brief: norovirus school closure, Medical City Fort Worth helipad filing, Medicare Advantage disruptions, flu update

ByBrian “Weence” Bateman

Fort Worth, TX – March 2, 2026 – Norovirus-related school closure, Medical City Fort Worth helipad plans, and new signals on Medicare Advantage.

A suspected norovirus outbreak prompted a one-day closure at Creekview Middle School in Fort Worth on Feb. 27, according to Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD and Tarrant County Public Health.

Outbreak watch: Creekview Middle School closed for disinfecting

The district said the campus closed Friday to allow additional disinfecting aligned with public health guidance, while other EMS ISD campuses remained open. The school was expected to resume its usual schedule on Monday, March 2.

In an advisory referenced in the report, public health officials said norovirus activity in the community appeared to be high and noted that outbreaks may occur in group settings such as schools, shelters, childcare, hospitals and long-term care facilities.

Hospital and access update: Medical City Fort Worth helipad and garage listed in state filings

A Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filing highlighted plans for a new helipad and parking garage at Medical City Fort Worth, 900 8th Ave., according to Community Impact. A hospital spokesperson told the outlet more information would be released closer to the start of construction.

The filing listed an estimated timeline of Dec. 1, 2026, through Feb. 4, 2028, and an estimated cost of $41.1 million.

Health insurance watch: Medicare Advantage disruptions reported nationally

National shifts in Medicare Advantage plan offerings can affect North Texas seniors who rely on specific networks and benefits. An Investopedia report cited research indicating that about 10% of Medicare Advantage enrollees in 2026 were disenrolled by their insurer, up from 6.9% in 2025, as insurers pull back from some markets.

Respiratory virus season: CDC says flu activity remains elevated

CDC’s FluView update for Week 7 (ending Feb. 21) said seasonal influenza activity remains elevated nationally, with influenza A activity decreasing while influenza B activity is increasing in most areas. CDC’s in-season severity assessment classified the season as moderate overall at this point, while the pediatric age group was classified as high severity.

At a glance

  • School illness response: Creekview Middle School closed Feb. 27 and was expected to reopen March 2.
  • Hospital infrastructure: Medical City Fort Worth filings described a helipad and garage project with an estimated Dec. 2026 to Feb. 2028 timeline.
  • Coverage turbulence: Investopedia reported higher Medicare Advantage disenrollment in 2026 tied to insurer pullbacks.
  • Flu trend: CDC reported elevated activity, with influenza B increasing as influenza A declines.

Sources

https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/norovirus-outbreak-shutters-fort-worth-234316707.html
https://communityimpact.com/dallas-fort-worth/keller-roanoke-northeast-fort-worth/development/2026/02/24/legacy-er-and-urgent-care-in-frisco-medical-city-fort-worth-renovations-see-5-of-the-latest-permits-filed-in-the-north-texas-area/
https://www.investopedia.com/what-the-massive-medicare-advantage-shakeup-means-for-your-retirement-coverage-11910160
https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/2026-week-07.html

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

Related

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.