Measles Cases Prompt Closure at Fort Bliss Facility; City Confirms Local Infections
El Paso, TX – March 7, 2026 – A measles outbreak tied to a Fort Bliss detention site and four city cases has prompted public health action.
Detention facility closes amid measles outbreak
A large immigration detention facility at Fort Bliss, known as Camp East Montana, has been closed to visitors and attorneys following a measles outbreak. According to The Associated Press, 14 active measles cases have been confirmed at the site, and more than 100 people are being isolated to limit further spread. The closure is expected to remain in place until at least mid-March.
Federal officials said individuals who tested positive have been separated from the general population, and the situation is being monitored in coordination with public health authorities.
City confirms additional measles cases
The El Paso Department of Public Health reported on February 26 that four measles cases were confirmed within the city. In total, 17 cases have been reported in El Paso County, including those connected to the federal facility, according to reporting by The Texas Tribune.
City officials noted that the cases at the detention center fall outside municipal jurisdiction and are reported through federal channels. The health department has advised residents to be aware of potential exposure locations identified in its public notice and to follow public health guidance.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that can spread through respiratory droplets and linger in the air after an infected person leaves an area. Health officials continue to emphasize vaccination as the primary tool for preventing infection and limiting outbreaks.
Public health response continues
The city’s health department said it is coordinating with federal partners and providing support as needed. During prior outbreaks, El Paso has seen dozens of confirmed cases, underscoring the importance of early detection and containment efforts.
Residents are encouraged to monitor updates from local health authorities and to review their immunization records, particularly for school-aged children and young adults, who have been affected in past outbreaks.
Sources
https://apnews.com/article/7c70b887234439f96af405f2f16953c9
https://www.texastribune.org/2026/02/26/measles-el-paso-camp-east-montana-ice/
https://www.elpasotexas.gov/assets/Press-Releases/2026.02.26-NEWS-RELEASE_Health-Officials-Advise-of-Potential-Measles-Exposures.pdf
If you have urgent symptoms, seek medical care. For general questions, talk with a licensed clinician.
