Flu outbreak at Lackland Air Force Base sickens about 160 trainees

A localized influenza outbreak swept through Joint Base San Antonio‑Lackland in Texas, infecting roughly 159‑160 Air Force recruits and hospitalising two. The illness spread rapidly among trainees living in close quarters, prompting the base to isolate symptomatic individuals, administer antivirals such as Tamiflu, and monitor close contacts.

The outbreak emerged just weeks after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on April 21, 2026 that the annual flu vaccine would become voluntary for all service members, framing the change as a matter of “medical autonomy” and religious freedom. Vaccination rates among new trainees fell to about 40 percent after the mandate was lifted. In response to the outbreak, the Air Force reinstated a mandatory flu‑shot requirement specifically for recruits at Lackland.

One trainee, Keon McDaniel, died during the incident; officials have said a full medical review is underway to determine whether his death was linked to the flu. Hegseth had previously said, “Your body, your faith, and your convictions are not negotiable,” a stance that has drawn criticism from lawmakers and the public as the outbreak raises questions about military readiness and vaccine policy.

Air Force officials described the situation as a “localized influenza outbreak among trainees at Basic Military Training” and emphasized that affected personnel will return to training once cleared by medical professionals.