Current Health Risks in Central Texas: What You Need to Know
As we approach the holiday season, Central Texas residents are facing a confluence of infectious disease threats that health officials are urging the community to take seriously. From stomach bugs to respiratory illnesses, multiple contagious diseases are circulating at concerning levels across the Austin area.
Norovirus Surges Nationwide, Including Texas
Norovirus has been spreading in Central Texas for the past couple of months, according to Dr. Desmar Walkes, medical director for Austin Public Health. The highly contagious stomach virus, often called “winter vomiting disease,” has reached decade-high levels nationally, with Texas among the states experiencing outbreaks.
A new strain called GII.17 was responsible for about 75 percent of outbreaks in 2024, marking a shift from the GII.4 strain that had dominated for over three decades. The best defense against norovirus is thorough handwashing with soap and water—hand sanitizers are not effective against this virus. Austin Public Health frequently receives reports of outbreaks at schools, long-term care facilities, and other congregate settings.
Whooping Cough Cases Spike in Austin Schools
Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, has emerged as a significant concern in Austin-area schools.
Austin and Travis County has seen 134 reported cases through November, a substantial increase from the 85 cases in all of 2024. Multiple Austin ISD campuses have confirmed cases, including Lamar Middle School, McCallum High School, and several elementary schools.
Health officials say it’s highly likely that pertussis is spreading at Lamar Middle School, where six cases have been confirmed. The illness starts with cold-like symptoms but develops into a persistent cough lasting weeks or months. About one-third of babies younger than 12 months with pertussis need hospital treatment, making vaccination crucial for protecting vulnerable populations.
Dr. Walkes emphasized that whooping cough is “entirely vaccine-preventable” and urged parents to ensure their children are up to date on TDAP vaccinations. Austin Public Health recommends consulting a doctor if a cough persists longer than 10 days or if a child has been exposed to a confirmed case.
Major Measles Outbreak Earlier This Year
Texas experienced its largest measles outbreak in 30 years in early 2025, with over 760 confirmed cases before the state declared it officially over in August. The outbreak, centered in West Texas, resulted in two child deaths and highlighted the dangers of declining vaccination rates.
While the Austin area reported 10 cases during the outbreak, health officials continue to monitor for any resurgence, especially with holiday travel approaching.
⚠️ Possible measles exposure in Austin from a person visiting from El Paso
— Austin Public Health (@AusPublicHealth) May 6, 2025
Monitor symptoms if you were at Terry Black’s BBQ (1003 Barton Springs Rd) on Sat., April 26 from 8–11 p.m.
More info: https://t.co/LzsocmdqNH pic.twitter.com/3lXKOj9L3o
COVID-19 Cases Spike Again
COVID cases spiked in Texas during summer and fall 2025, with nearly 18% of tests in the South Central region testing positive—significantly higher than the national rate. The XFG “Stratus” variant became the dominant strain, causing symptoms including sore throat, cough, and fever. Emergency room visits increased, particularly as students returned to school in August.
Austin Public Health continues to offer COVID-19 vaccinations and testing resources for residents. Health officials recommend staying current with vaccinations, especially for those at higher risk of severe illness.
Watch What You Eat
Increased numbers of salmonellosis, a common bacterial infection, are occurring in Central Texas, according to APH.
“It’s that time of the year when we gather together with our family, friends and neighbors, but if we’re not careful, these parties and get-togethers can lead to the spread of illness and disease. Make sure you’re following best practices with food and staying home if you feel sick.” — Austin-Travis County Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes
Austin Public Health has an online reporting system to make it easier for residents to report food poisoning.
What Austin Public Health Recommends
Health officials are emphasizing the importance of vaccination as the primary defense against these diseases. Parents should ensure children are current on all required immunizations, including DTaP for whooping cough and MMR for measles. For norovirus prevention, frequent handwashing and staying home when sick are essential.
Thank you to everyone who got vaccinated this season. 💛
— Austin Public Health (@AusPublicHealth) November 24, 2025
Local doctors want you to know they trust these flu, COVID-19 & RSV vaccines for their loved ones — and they recommend them for you too.
Community protection starts with each of us. pic.twitter.com/2WFotEiflv
As holiday gatherings and travel increase, Austin Public Health urges residents to practice good hygiene, seek medical attention when symptoms develop, and keep unvaccinated or sick individuals home from school and work to prevent further spread. Those with questions can contact Austin Public Health at 512-972-5555.
A building was cleared downtown on E. 6th Street after a bomb threat was made Saturday night.
Police say that the call came in at 9:38 p.m., after which officers arrived to the scene and cleared a nearby building at 311 E 6th Street.
The threat was found to not be credible, and no one was injured.
🗳️ Central Texas Runoff Election Summary
Voters in Travis, Hays, and Williamson Counties participated in runoff elections on Saturday to select their next mayors and city council members.
Key mayoral results include:
- Kyle Mayor: The race between Yvonne Flores-Cale and Robert Rizo concluded with Yvonne Flores-Cale winning, securing 50.83% of the vote.
- Pflugerville Mayor: After the November 4 election failed to produce a majority winner, the runoff between Pat McCord and Doug Weiss resulted in Doug Weiss winning with 56.00% of the vote.
Additionally, voters in Buda, Kyle, Leander, and San Marcos elected their next city council representatives.
These runoffs were necessary because no candidate received more than 50% of the vote in the initial November elections.
Williamson County GOP said it wants to end countywide voting, which allows voters to vote at any polling location in the county. Instead, it wants precinct-specific voting. This means you would be required to vote in specific polling locations based on what precinct you live in.
An overnight blaze at a homeless camp in the area of 183 and Cameron Road.
(Video courtesy of Victor Lara’s Austin Report)
No other information was available.
Saturday evening, an apartment fire in South Austin.
Retail pioneer Margaret Scarbrough Wilson, once head of the iconic Austin department store Scarbroughs, died December 6 at Hospice Austin’s Christopher House. She was 95. (Austin American-Statesman)
Steps are being taken to redevelop the site of the former Teacher Retirement System of Texas headquarters in downtown Austin. (Austin Business Journal)
More than half of all homes have declined in value in the past year, a study found. Here are some expert tips on how to navigate the current market in Austin:
PODCAST
In Austin – school leaders say since the beginning of the school year bus surveillance cameras have caught Waymo’s driverless vehicles illegally passing school buses 20 times. This week on Inside the Investigation – Investigative Reporter Kelly Wiley will break down the safety concerns ahead of Waymo’s anticipated expansion, its voluntary recall and the software updates the Waymo believes fix the issue.
WEATHER
SATURDAY’S HIGH / LOW TEMPERTAURES
AUSTIN-BERGSTROM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
CAMP MABRY
5-DAY FORECAST / AUSTIN, TEXAS
A 35-DEGREE SWING IN TEMPERATURES BETWEEN TODAY AND THURSDAY
WOAI-TV in San Antonio having some fun regarding the chances for a white Christmas in Central Texas…
A Texas-based medical marijuana company has expanded their operations with a new facility in Bastrop County. that’s nearly ten times the size of their old headquarters. (FOX 7 Austin)
State leaders in Texas face new legal action over the governor’s recent proclamation declaring two groups to be foreign terror organizations.
Last month, Gov. Greg Abbott issued that proclamation regarding the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American Islamic relations (CAIR). He claimed both groups have been affiliated with known terrorists.
Three people were rushed to a hospital after a potential shootout at a west Houston apartment complex Saturday night.
A Houston METRO mechanic struck and killed a pedestrian early Friday morning while conducting a “road test,” according to the public transit agency, which also was involved in a fatal crash with a pedestrian in mid-November. (Houston Public Media)
Two people died in a fire Saturday in North Dallas.
A San Antonio man accused in the deadly shooting outside the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino in Eagle Pass in September has been indicted on multiple felony charges. (KVUE-TV)
Recent findings show Texas crypto mining operations consumed more electricity last year than all residential utility customers in two major Texas cities. (Houston Chronicle)
A month after an SMU law professor disappeared while hiking in northern Georgia, his family is launching a renewed search with a 65‑person team and says the effort will continue until they have answers.
Dallas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett’s entry into the U.S. Senate race shook up the Democratic primary in Texas. \
Lt. Governor Dan Patrick says his plan can eliminate school property taxes for homesteads in several sessions.
(Episode from December 13, 2025)
From My San Antonio.
Abraham Quintanilla, father of Selena, has died. Fans in Corpus Christi remember his role in shaping her career and preserving her legacy.
SPORTS
NBA: The San Antonio Spurs are headed to the NBA Cup championship game against the New York Knicks, after knocking off the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder 111-109 on Saturday night in the tournament semifinals — just the second loss for OKC in 26 games this season.
Victor Wembanyama, having missed the last 13 games to injjury, finished with 22 points and nine rebounds in 21 minutes — coming off the bench for the first time in his NBA career.
After six weeks of play, the 2025 NBA Cup is down to two teams: the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs.
Both teams advanced to the in-season tournament’s championship game on Saturday with wins in Las Vegas.
San Antonio, Dallas and Houston are all idle today.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL: Two games of note Saturday.
The Aggies are on the court today.
NFL: The Houston Texans will be without running back Nick Chubb today against the Arizona Cardinals. Chubb, who is listed as questionable with a rib injury, is not expected to play,
Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys host Minnesota on Sunday Night Football.
Texas Football 2026 Schedule | Early Predictions & Takes
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: It was a rough weekend for Austin area teams in the state semifinals.
The holiday season is officially here at Six Flags Over Texas!
