San Antonio health brief: University Health heart-care update, SAWS rate proposal, and Texas measles outbreak watch

San Antonio’s health care landscape saw several notable updates in recent days, spanning hospital services, public health infrastructure and an outbreak situation elsewhere in Texas that is drawing attention statewide.

University Health highlights expanding heart-care programs

University Health said its Advanced Cardiovascular Center is building out targeted programs intended to coordinate care across complex conditions. In a video interview posted Feb. 27, Cardiovascular Center director Dr. Anand Prasad described collaboration between cardiologists and other specialists for patients whose heart disease overlaps with diabetes, kidney failure or respiratory illness.

The health system highlighted programs including a Women’s Heart Center for pregnancy-related heart care, a Limb Salvage Clinic focused on advanced cardiovascular care for people with diabetes, and an Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program for adults born with heart defects. University Health also pointed to its Structural Heart and Valve team’s use of minimally invasive techniques as an alternative to some open-heart procedures.

University Health said its cardiovascular services are expanding alongside its broader footprint, including care at the recently opened Vida clinic on the South Side and plans to offer heart care in three additional hospitals opening this year and next.

SAWS proposes 2026 rate hike tied to aging system upgrades

The San Antonio Water System is asking for an 8% rate increase in 2026 as part of a longer multi-year plan. SAWS told its board the additional revenue is needed to address aging infrastructure and to complete capital projects, including work at the Steven M. Clouse Water Recycling Center, while avoiding regulatory penalties.

According to the San Antonio Express-News, public hearings are scheduled for April 7 and May 5. If the board and City Council approve the changes, SAWS said new rates could take effect July 1.

Outbreak watch: measles at a Texas detention facility

An outbreak at an immigration detention camp on the Fort Bliss Army base in El Paso has led to visitor and attorney access being suspended, the Associated Press reported. U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar said there were 14 active measles cases at the facility and 112 people in isolation. The camp is expected to remain closed to visitors and attorneys until about March 19 or March 20, according to the report.

Warm start to March continues, with rain chances midweek

After a record-warm February across Texas, the Express-News reported that above-normal temperatures are expected to continue into early March for San Antonio, with rain chances increasing midweek as a low-pressure system approaches. The report cited federal outlooks indicating elevated odds of above-average temperatures through the month.

Coverage and access notes

For residents without private or public coverage, University Health’s CareLink program describes enrollment as appointment-based and available to eligible San Antonio and Bexar County residents. The program says it assigns members a primary care physician and sets a monthly payment plan based on household income and family size.

Sources

https://www.universityhealth.com/news/a-new-era-in-heart-care-advanced-cardiovascular-redefining-treatment
https://www.expressnews.com/news/article/san-antonio-water-system-rate-increase-hike-21951312.php
https://apnews.com/article/7c70b887234439f96af405f2f16953c9
https://www.expressnews.com/san-antonio-weather/forecast/article/february-march-outlook-texas-weather-heat-21947241.php
https://www.universityhealth.com/sitecore/content/Shared-Content/Locations/CareLink-North-Office

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