Clarissa Parsons, a registered nurse in the pediatric division of the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, prepares to administer the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine to Autumn Campbell as a special physician on March 14, 2025. Tyrese Campbell, a chemical specialist with the 2nd Chemical Battalion, 181st Chemical Company, 48th Chemical Brigade, comforts her at the then-Fort Cavazos pediatric clinic.
A single measles outbreak can take soldiers out of action, disrupt units, and compromise mission readiness. In today’s interconnected world, vaccination against highly contagious diseases like measles is more than just an individual health decision. It is a must for combat preparation.
As measles cases continue to rise across the United States, the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center Public Health Nursing Division is reminding Fort Hood and Central Texas residents to take extra precautions, especially when traveling to areas with active measles outbreaks, and to ensure they are up to date on recommended vaccinations.
The Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center Public Health Nursing Division is reminding Fort Hood and Central Texas residents to take extra precautions as the measles outbreak continues to grow.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 733 confirmed measles cases have been reported so far in 2026, with at least 20 states reporting cases as of February 12, including Texas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Oregon, Utah, and Virginia. The majority of these cases are associated with an outbreak that began in 2025.
One of the largest current outbreaks is in South Carolina, where health officials reported 933 confirmed cases as of February 12th. Most infected people in the outbreak have not been vaccinated, and hundreds of contacts have been quarantined as health officials work to contain the spread, the CDC reported.
Measles is highly contagious, so people with measles can spread the virus to others before symptoms become apparent, and measles virus particles can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the room. Typical symptoms begin with fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a characteristic rash. Serious complications can occur, especially in young children, adults over 20 years of age, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
“Consideration of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine is critical because it is the most effective prevention against measles, especially for young people and other high-risk groups,” said Yesenia Montoya, infectious disease leader and registered nurse, CRDAMC Army Public Health Service.
The CDC recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine. The first time is between 12 and 15 months old, and the second time is between 4 and 6 years old. One dose of MMR is approximately 93% effective in preventing measles, and two doses increases the protective efficacy to approximately 97%.
Adults who are unsure of their vaccination status or who have not received both doses are encouraged to consult their health care provider, especially before traveling. Infants who are too young to be fully vaccinated, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe disease and often rely on community immunity for prevention.
“Travelers should review current outbreak information, practice good hygiene, monitor for symptoms after travel, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms develop,” Montoya added. “Taking precautions now will help protect individuals, families and the wider community from the spread of this preventable disease.”
If you are concerned about possible exposure or want to make sure you or a loved one is up to date on vaccines, please contact your health care provider by phone or use the patient portal below. patient portal.mhsgenesis.health.mil or call Patient Reservation Services at 254-288-8888. If you suspect that someone has or has been exposed to measles, you can share this information with your healthcare team when making your appointment. Wear a mask before entering a healthcare facility to reduce the chance of spreading measles.
For more information about measles, travel recommendations, and vaccination guidance, residents are encouraged to contact their health care provider or local public health department. Residents may also call the 24-hour Nurse Advice Line at 1-800-TRICARE (1-800-874-2273), option 1.
