A ransomware attack has disrupted operations at a major U.S. hospital network, forcing several facilities offline and affecting emergency services in multiple states, according to Reuters. The incident shows how a digital breach can quickly become a public safety crisis, with patients and staff facing delays and diverted care.

The network has not publicly detailed the full scope of the disruption, but the reported impact includes interruptions to patient care and emergency response. A ransomware group has claimed responsibility for the attack, though the claim has not been independently verified. Authorities and cybersecurity teams typically work to contain these incidents while restoring critical systems.

Healthcare systems remain a frequent target for ransomware because hospitals depend on connected technology for records, scheduling, imaging, and emergency coordination. When those systems go down, the consequences can extend far beyond data loss and affect treatment decisions and access to urgent care.

The latest attack adds to growing concern over the vulnerability of essential infrastructure in the United States, where health services, local governments, and school systems have all faced repeated cyberattacks in recent years.