1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

There is an urgent need for stronger measles interventions and public health measures given the alarming outbreak in West Texas, which has seen 400 cases since January. The majority of these cases are centered in Gaines County, with 44 new cases reported there alone on Friday. At least two individuals, including an unvaccinated child in Lubbock, have tragically lost their lives due to this preventable disease. While most cases involve unvaccinated individuals, two have occurred in fully vaccinated people, underscoring the importance of maintaining high community vaccination rates. Measles complications can be severe, including pneumonia, hearing loss, meningitis, and even death. This outbreak has already led to over 40 hospitalizations, straining healthcare resources. Decisive action is crucial to curb this outbreak and prevent further spread. Enhancing vaccination efforts, especially in affected areas, should be a top priority. Public education campaigns are also needed to combat misinformation and promote vaccine confidence. Healthcare facilities must remain vigilant in identifying and isolating potential cases. Robust contact tracing and provision of post-exposure prophylaxis are critical containment measures. Allocating additional resources to support overwhelmed local public health authorities is equally vital. A coordinated, multipronged response is the only way to effectively address this growing public health crisis.