1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

The recent surge in measles cases across the United States is a significant public health concern that demands immediate action. With over 1,000 confirmed cases in 30 states, it is evident that more efforts are needed to promote vaccination and address the spread of this highly contagious disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 96% of the reported cases are among individuals who are unvaccinated or have an unknown vaccination status. This statistic highlights the importance of vaccination in preventing the transmission of measles and safeguarding public health. While the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine has proven to be highly effective, with two doses providing 97% protection against measles, vaccination rates have been declining in recent years. The CDC data shows that during the 2023-2024 school year, only 92.7% of kindergarteners received the MMR vaccine, lower than previous years and below the recommended threshold for herd immunity. The consequences of this outbreak are severe, with at least 13% of patients requiring hospitalization, and tragically, three deaths have already been reported, including two unvaccinated school-aged children in Texas and an unvaccinated adult in New Mexico. These preventable tragedies underscore the urgency of increasing vaccination rates and addressing the barriers that may prevent individuals from receiving the MMR vaccine. Therefore, it is crucial to intensify efforts to encourage vaccination through community outreach, education campaigns, and accessible vaccination services. Healthcare providers, public health officials, and policymakers must collaborate to address vaccine hesitancy, combat misinformation, and ensure that all individuals have access to accurate information and the necessary resources to get vaccinated.