Flu outbreak hits US air force base in Texas; +150 infected
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A big influenza outbreak has affected recruits at the Lackland US Air Force Base, part of Joint Base San Antonio in Texas, sickening over 150 to more than 200 service members in recent weeks.
The incident has drawn attention due to its timing, occurring less than two months after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ended the long-standing mandatory flu vaccination requirement for US military personnel.
The outbreak is concentrated in the 37th Training Wing’s Basic Military Training program, where new recruits live in close quarters, sharing open-bay barracks and communal dining facilities.
This environment facilitates rapid transmission of respiratory viruses. Reports indicated at least 159 confirmed cases, with figures potentially climbing to 222 according to updates from the US Representative Joaquin Castro.
Symptomatic trainees are receiving antiviral treatments such as Tamiflu, and affected individuals are isolated until cleared by medical staff.
Vaccination rates at the base reportedly dropped sharply from near 100% to around 40% after the April 2026 policy shift, which made annual flu shots optional across the military.
In response to the outbreak, officials reinstated mandatory flu vaccinations specifically for trainees at Lackland. The Air Force has described the event as a “localized” outbreak managed in coordination with the 59th Medical Wing.
Tragically, one basic military trainee in the sixth week of training, identified in reports as Keon McDaniel, died following a medical emergency on or around June 16, and was transported to Brooke Army Medical Center.
The US Air Force is investigating the circumstances, though a direct link to influenza has not been publicly confirmed. Two other hospitalizations among recruits have also been reported.
The policy change ending mandatory flu shots was part of broader efforts to review vaccine requirements, with proponents arguing against overly broad mandates.
Public health experts note that close-contact military environments have historically been vulnerable to influenza outbreaks.
Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland serves as the primary basic training site for the US Air Force, processing thousands of recruits annually.
