UMMC Shuts Clinics After Ransomware Strike

The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) has temporarily closed clinics across the state after a ransomware attack disrupted its network systems on Thursday morning. For a second consecutive day, elective procedures were canceled and downtime protocols were activated, including in the emergency department.

UMMC, Mississippi’s only academic medical center and the state’s sole Level 1 trauma center, operates more than 30 clinics. While hospitals remain open, clinicians are relying on manual processes as critical systems—including the Epic electronic health record (EHR) platform and the organization’s website—remain offline. The dialysis clinic at Jackson Medical Mall continues to operate.

At a press briefing, Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs LouAnn Woodward confirmed that patient care is ongoing and that attackers have made contact. UMMC is working closely with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and cybersecurity specialists to assess the breach and determine next steps.

Officials expect the incident to last several days as forensic investigations and risk assessments are conducted before restoring systems. The attack highlights the growing vulnerability of healthcare infrastructure to cyber threats.