Texas Health and Safety Code - HEALTH & SAFETY § 81.402. Purpose and Findings

(1) infectious diseases are responsible for more deaths worldwide than any other single cause;

(2) the State of Texas has a responsibility to safeguard and protect the health and well-being of its citizens from the spread of infectious diseases;

(3) on September 30, 2014, the first case of Ebola diagnosed in the United States occurred in Dallas, Texas;

(4) addressing infectious diseases requires the coordination and cooperation of multiple governmental entities at the local, state, and federal levels;

(5) public health and medical preparedness and response guidelines are crucial to protect the safety and welfare of our citizens;  and

(6) Texas has nationally recognized infectious disease experts and other highly trained professionals across the state with the experience needed to minimize any potential risk to the people of Texas.