Navajo Department of Health urges vaccinations after chickenpox cases on Navajo Nation

The Navajo Department of Health issued a public health advisory Wednesday morning, Feb. 18, 2026, after confirming cases of varicella, commonly known as chickenpox, in the Navajo Nation. The advisory, labeled a Public Health Advisory Notice (PHAN), was posted from WINDOW ROCK, Ariz., to notify residents and to limit further spread of the illness.

Health officials said the advisory was released in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center, Indian Health Service and tribally operated health programs to notify residents and limit further spread of the illness. The notice was distributed through the Navajo Nation email distribution (Nnemaildist) and republished by tribal media outlets, including the Navajo Times and KBFT radio’s website.

The PHAN used clinical language to describe the illness: “Chickenpox is a contagious viral disease that causes an itchy rash, fever and fatigue. While many cases are mild, the illness can lead to serious complications, hospitalization and death.” Officials also emphasized prevention: “Officials said vaccination remains the most effective protection against infection and complications.”

The advisory and email distribution reiterated vaccine guidance: “Chickenpox is a vaccine preventable disease, and we encourage all Navajo Nation residents to stay up to date with their vaccinations to provide immunity against dangerous diseases and to protect both yourself and your community.” The PHAN further notes specific risk categories: “The advisory notes that adults born before 1980 and people who have already had chickenpox are generally not at risk. People who have received two doses of the varicella vaccine and are not immunocompromised face a very low risk of illness.”

Public reaction appeared quickly online. The Navajo Times Facebook post of the advisory showed 26 reactions, 3 comments and 14 shares at the time of capture. Comments included community guidance and skepticism: Derek Boone wrote, “Ask your previous healthcare providers if you’ve have chickenpox or had the vaccination..if you did you shouldn’t have to worry..”; Harold McNeal wrote, “Sheep sent to be slaughter. Past is the future. Why be the weak”; Eric Grnstn replied, “Harold McNeal Huh?? 😆”; and La Vone Royston posted, “I hope the deniers don't say it's a hoax like they did when covid hit our nation full force. [...]”

Tribal media reposting mirrored the advisory text. KBFT’s site republished the Navajo Times item under the same byline and lists a contact address of 13090 Westley Drive, Nett Lake, MN 55772, and phone P: 218.757.3261 (option 4) in its footer.

The public notices and reposts did not include several epidemiologic details: none of the captured items listed a case count, the chapters or communities affected, age breakdowns, whether cases were laboratory confirmed, or whether any patients were hospitalized. The PHAN capture also did not include a named NDOH spokesperson or a phone number for follow-up.

The Nnemaildist digest that carried the PHAN included other administrative notices for the Navajo Nation: “all Navajo Nation Executive Branch employees, permanent and temporary, are granted two (2) hours of Administrative Leave from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., on Thursday, February 19, 2026” due to winter weather, and event notices such as Késhjéé (Navajo Shoe Game) at the DBMHS Sober Living Center in Chinle on Friday, February 27, 2026. Reporters seeking case counts, affected service units, testing guidance, or clinic vaccination schedules should request the full PHAN or contact NDOH, the Navajo Epidemiology Center, IHS and 638-Tribal Health Organizations for updated details.