1. United States
2. Ala.
3. Letter

Alabama is facing the imminent arrival of a disease that was nearly eradicated in this country. Measles cases nationwide have surged from 285 in 2024 to 2,280 in 2025, with nearly 1,000 confirmed cases already reported through February 13. Dr. Scott Harris, Alabama's State Health Officer, has stated it is not a matter of if, but when, measles will arrive here. This preventable crisis demands immediate legislative action to protect Alabama's children. The numbers tell a troubling story. While 95.2% of Alabama kindergarten students were fully vaccinated against measles for the 2024-25 school year, only 77% of children under 10 are up to date on the measles vaccine according to November Alabama Department of Public Health data. This gap falls short of the 95% population immunity needed for herd immunity, leaving our youngest and most vulnerable residents at risk. About 90% of the 2025 national cases were outbreak-related, and two-thirds occurred in South Carolina, mostly among unvaccinated individuals. Measles is the most infectious disease we face. It can cause hospitalization, pneumonia, brain swelling, death, and can even reset the immune system. Alabama reported its first measles case since 2002 this year, an unvaccinated child who contracted the disease while traveling internationally. We were fortunate that child recovered without infecting others, but we cannot count on luck as cases spread through neighboring states including Florida with 63 cases, Georgia, Tennessee, and the Carolinas. I urge you to champion legislation that strengthens vaccination requirements and closes exemption loopholes that endanger public health. Support increased funding for the Alabama Department of Public Health's education and outreach efforts to healthcare providers and families. Most importantly, use your platform to communicate clearly with constituents about vaccine safety and necessity. This is not about politics. This is about protecting Alabama's children from a preventable disease that we had nearly eliminated. Do your job and lead on this critical public health issue.