Potential Measles Case Update

On March 2, 2026, between 08:00 AM and 12:00 PM, a patient presented to the Emergency Department at Weed Army Community Hospital (WACH) with symptoms consistent with measles. The case is not confirmed at this time. Laboratory results are expected within 7–10 business days.

Out of an abundance of caution, Fort Irwin Public Health officials are working closely with hospital and school leadership to help protect our community.

What You Need To Know

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected individual leaves the area. Per the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention individuals who are at the highest risk for measles complications are children younger than 5 years of age, adults older than 20 years of age, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as from leukemia or HIV infection. The incubation period is typically 11–12 days but can be up to 21 days.

Common symptoms include:

• Fever of 101°F or higher
• Runny nose or congestion
• Red or watery eyes
• Rash beginning on the face and spreading downward
• Cough

Vaccination remains our strongest protection.

• One dose of MMR vaccine is approximately 93% effective.
• Two doses are approximately 97% effective.

Potential Exposure Information

WACH Public Health is conducting contact tracing and notifying individuals who may have been exposed to a suspected measles case at Colin Powell Preschool. Parents of students in the identified classroom were contacted and advised that students should remain home until test results are confirmed. Families are encouraged to review vaccination records and contact their healthcare provider if they are unsure of their child’s immunization status.

In addition to those present in the Emergency Department on March 2, 2026, between 08:00 AM and 12:00 PM., the individual attended a basketball game at the Fort Irwin Middle School Teen / Youth Center on Saturday, February 28, from 12:30 p.m-2:00pm. Attendance at this event is unknown, and Army Public Health has not identified or contacted additional individuals related to that event at this time.

If you were in those areas:

If NOT fully vaccinated (fewer than 2 doses of MMR):

• Anyone 12 months or older who is not fully vaccinated should receive the MMR vaccine within 72 hours of exposure.
• After reviewing CDC and California State Guidelines, Army Public Health recommends that individuals without two documented doses of MMR remain home until lab results are confirmed.

If fully vaccinated (2 documented MMR doses):

• No additional vaccine is needed.

If your child develops symptoms:

• Keep them home from school or childcare.
• Call your healthcare provider before seeking in-person care so appropriate precautions can be taken.
• Inform the school if a diagnosis is confirmed.

Prevention & Vaccination

Weed Army Community Hospital mitigations:

• Conducted contact tracing through the Department of Public Health.
• Ordered additional MMR vaccines to support the small number of identified unvaccinated individuals.
• Ensured staff are equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

MMR vaccines are available at:

• WACH Primary Care Clinic
• Network pharmacies (e.g., Walmart, Walgreens, etc.)

Please call ahead to confirm vaccine availability and age eligibility before visiting off-post locations.
 

When to Seek Care

If you are experiencing measles symptoms:

• Contact your primary care provider to request a virtual visit.
• If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, seek care at the nearest emergency department.

At this time, no confirmed case has been identified. We will continue to provide updates as information becomes available.

Thank you for your partnership in keeping our installation community safe and healthy.

FAQs:

1.  When will you get test results? Answer: Between March 9, 2026 and March 12, 2026.
2. Where can I get the vaccine? Answer: Any network pharmacy or visit the Primary Care Clinic Immunizations Office Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Closed between noon and 1 p.m. Closed every 2nd and 4th Thursday at 1 p.m. for training.)
3. Can babies get vaccinated? Answer: Children 12 months of age and older can get the MMR vaccine. Please contact your pediatrician for recommendations for babies under 12 months of age.
4. My child attends Colin Powell Preschool and I didn’t receive a call? Answer: Army Public Health performed contact tracing on March 2, 2026. If you did not receive a call, your child’s classroom was not exposed.
5. How can I contact my provider or the Primary Care Clinic? Answer: Send your provider a secure message on the patient portal at https://my.mhsgenesis.health.mil/ or call the Primary Care Clinic at 760-383-5200.

Resources
https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html
https://vec.health.mil/

Coordination