Mississippi Hospital Clinics Closed After Ransomware Attack

University of Mississippi Medical Center forced to cancel elective procedures as it works to restore systems.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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A ransomware attack has forced the University of Mississippi Medical Center to close all of its roughly three dozen clinics around the state and cancel elective procedures for at least two days. Officials are still evaluating the extent of the attack, including whether patient data was compromised, and are working to restore their network systems.

Why it matters

Ransomware attacks on healthcare providers have become increasingly common in recent years, disrupting critical patient care and potentially exposing sensitive personal information. The University of Mississippi Medical Center is one of the state's largest healthcare providers, so this attack has significant implications for access to medical services across Mississippi.

The details

The ransomware attack affected many of the medical center's systems, including its electronic health record platform. Providers have had to resort to manual, pen-and-paper processes to continue treating patients. Officials are in communication with the attackers but have not disclosed their demands. The FBI's Jackson office is investigating the incident, with the priority being to restore the medical center's systems and patient care.

  • The ransomware attack forced the medical center to close clinics and cancel elective procedures on Friday, February 21, 2026.
  • The shutdown continued into a second day on Saturday, February 22, 2026.

The players

University of Mississippi Medical Center

One of the largest healthcare providers in Mississippi, operating around three dozen clinics across the state.

Richard Bell

A 55-year-old patient who drove three hours from his home in Oxford to the medical center's main campus in Jackson, only to find the clinics closed due to the ransomware attack.

LouAnn Woodward

Vice Chancellor at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, who provided updates on the ransomware attack and its impact on the medical center's systems.

Robert Eikhoff

FBI Special Agent in Charge, who stated that the agency's top priority is getting the medical center's systems back up and running to restore patient care.

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What they’re saying

“It was all shut down. It gets pretty frustrating.”

— Richard Bell, Patient

“Some of us in the room have been here long enough that we remember taking care of patients with pen and paper.”

— LouAnn Woodward, Vice Chancellor, University of Mississippi Medical Center

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This ransomware attack on a major healthcare provider in Mississippi highlights the growing threat of cybercrime against critical infrastructure and the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive patient data and ensure continuity of care.