A good-faith PSA if you're traveling to Texas for All In
Hey sickos — I’m not trying to sound preachy here, just want to pass along something that might not be on your radar yet.
In my day job, I write about healthcare for consumers (especially people managing chronic health conditions), and I’ve been tracking a pretty serious uptick in measles cases in the U.S. this year. As of early March, the CDC has reported 222 measles cases across 12 states — including Texas — and 93% of those cases are tied to outbreaks in specific communities.
This isn’t meant to spark fear — measles is still relatively rare — but it is very contagious. Like, one of the most contagious viruses out there. The current outbreaks are mostly in places with low vaccination rates. And while most of us probably had our MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) shots as kids, the CDC recently issued a health advisory encouraging travelers — especially those going to big public gatherings or heading overseas — to double-check that they're protected.
If you’re not sure you got both doses of the MMR vaccine (it’s a two-dose series), it’s worth checking with your provider. It’s safe to get vaccinated even if you might already be immune, and it offers solid protection (97% effective with two doses). And if you’re traveling with kids or immunocompromised folks, the risk gets more serious.
In short:
- There’s a small but real risk of measles exposure in the U.S. right now, including in Texas.
- If you're traveling, it’s worth checking your MMR vaccination status — especially if you’re unsure, were vaccinated before 1968, or have any health condition that affects your immune system.
- No need to panic — just a good moment to stay aware and make sure you’re protected.
If you have Qs about symptoms or exposure, the CDC’s measles page has clear info. Hope to see you all in good health at All In 🤘