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A large immigration detention facility on the Fort Bliss Army base in Texas has been closed to all visitors due to a spreading measles outbreak. Representative Veronica Escobar confirmed on March 4 that at least 14 active cases have been identified, with 112 individuals currently in isolation. The facility, known as Camp East Montana, will remain on lockdown until at least March 20.
This outbreak highlights the ongoing struggle to control highly infectious diseases in congregate settings. Health officials are concerned that the lack of vaccination among arriving populations, combined with dense living conditions, creates a "tinderbox" for transmission. Attorneys and family members are currently barred from entering the site to prevent community spread.
The CDC has dispatched a team to assist with mass vaccination efforts within the camp. Measles is so contagious that an infected person can infect up to 90% of the unvaccinated people around them. Local health departments in El Paso are also on high alert for any cases that may have leaked into the general public before the lockdown.
The situation has sparked political debate over health protocols at the border. Critics argue that better screening and immediate vaccination upon entry are necessary to prevent these localized crises. Meanwhile, medical advocates are calling for more transparent reporting on health conditions within federal detention centers.
Fort Bliss detention camp closed to visitors due to a measles outbreak.
14 active cases confirmed with over 100 people in isolation.
The facility will remain closed until March 19 or 20 for quarantine.
CDC teams are on-site to manage vaccination and containment.
The incident has renewed debates on border health screening protocols.
HISTORY
The 2025-2026 period has seen a dramatic resurgence of measles across the United States. Following a drop in routine childhood vaccinations during the early 2020s, several states have reported their largest outbreaks in decades.
2024: The US saw a 30% increase in measles cases compared to the previous year.
2025: A major outbreak in South Carolina became the state's largest since 2000.
Late 2025: Total US measles cases for the year exceeded 2,200.
Jan 2026: Public health officials warned that 2026 was on pace to set a new record.
Feb 2026: The "2025 Measles Resurgence" was estimated to have cost the US $244 million in response efforts.