1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

The rapid spread of the measles outbreak across Texas and into neighboring states is deeply concerning and urgent action is needed to contain it before it becomes a nationwide epidemic. Texas must implement stronger measures to promote vaccination and enforce quarantine protocols for those infected or exposed. Prioritizing access to credible information about vaccine safety and effectiveness is crucial to combat misinformation and increase vaccination rates, especially in communities with high exemption rates. Expanding availability of vaccination clinics and streamlining record-keeping systems like ImmTrac2 can help ensure more Texans are up-to-date on immunizations. At the same time, public health authorities need greater capacity for robust contact tracing and enforcement of quarantines when necessary. While respecting personal freedoms, the state should explore reasonable policies to limit potential spread from non-compliant individuals during outbreaks. Ultimately, preventing this outbreak from escalating into a national crisis requires a multi-pronged approach - improving vaccination access and rates, vigilant monitoring and isolation protocols, and disseminating accurate information from trusted sources. Prompt, coordinated action is imperative to protect communities in Texas and across the country from this preventable disease. The consequences of inaction could be dire.