1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

In Texas, the devastating measles outbreak has reached alarming proportions, with 541 confirmed cases across 22 counties as of Friday. This crisis underscores the critical importance of vaccination to protect communities against this highly contagious and preventable disease. The majority of cases are concentrated in Gaines County, where an undervaccinated Mennonite community allowed the virus to gain a foothold and spread rapidly. Tragically, two young children have died from measles-related complications, serving as a sobering reminder of the potential consequences of low vaccination rates. Health officials estimate that about 5% of Texas cases remain actively infectious, signaling an ongoing public health emergency. Vaccination is a proven, safe and effective measure to prevent measles infection and halt its transmission. We strongly urge all eligible Texans to get vaccinated with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine to safeguard themselves and their communities. Achieving herd immunity through widespread vaccination coverage of at least 95% is crucial to protect vulnerable groups like infants too young for the shots. The current outbreak exemplifies how pockets of low immunization rates enable preventable diseases to take hold and wreak havoc. Addressing vaccine hesitancy and misinformation through fact-based education and open dialogue with healthcare professionals is paramount. Only through a united commitment to science-backed prevention can we overcome this crisis and prevent further suffering. Increasing vaccination rates across Texas must be an urgent priority to contain this outbreak and avert future emergencies.