Influenza Outbreak at Texas Air Force Base Infects More Than 200 Service Members

An influenza outbreak at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas has infected more than 200 military personnel over the past several weeks, according to a report by NBC News.

The US Air Force said it has implemented a range of measures to contain the outbreak, including medical treatment, isolation protocols, and close monitoring of affected personnel. Service members showing symptoms are receiving appropriate care and will be allowed to return to training only after being cleared by medical professionals.

Officials have not yet determined whether the outbreak is connected to the death of a trainee from the 737th Training Support Squadron on June 16. Authorities said the cause of death remains under investigation.

Lackland Air Force Base serves as the primary site for basic military training for new Air Force recruits. Thousands of trainees pass through the facility each year.

The outbreak comes just two months after US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ended the requirement for annual influenza vaccinations for military personnel.

In a video message released in April, Hegseth criticized the policy as unnecessary and overly intrusive. He argued that previous Pentagon policies under the Biden administration had undermined service members’ medical autonomy and their right to express religious beliefs.

Following the outbreak, the Air Force reportedly requested a special waiver from the Department of Defense to allow mandatory flu vaccinations at the base. Influenza immunization efforts have since resumed at the training facility.

An Air Force spokesperson said the outbreak has largely been confined to the base’s Basic Military Training Wing. Public health officials and medical teams are isolating infected trainees, providing treatment, and closely monitoring the situation.

The spokesperson added that individuals who had close contact with infected personnel are also being monitored. Those who develop symptoms are being treated with antiviral medications, including Tamiflu.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the Defense Secretary has authorized exemptions to broader vaccination policies when operational needs require them.

“The Department of Defense remains committed to protecting the health, readiness, and effectiveness of our service members and civilian workforce,” Parnell said.

Military officials have not indicated whether the outbreak has affected training schedules or operational readiness, but health authorities continue to monitor conditions at the base as containment measures remain in place.