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Measles Outbreak in Texas Raises Concerns Over HHS Secretary’s Medical Advice
A measles outbreak in Texas, resulting in 159 cases and one tragic death of an unvaccinated child, has sparked concern among physicians regarding HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s public health guidance.
While only five of the infected were vaccinated, doctors are urging vaccination for all eligible individuals, emphasizing the importance of the MMR vaccine in preventing the spread of measles. Alarmingly, approximately 80% of the Texas cases involve children.
Kennedy, known for his skepticism towards vaccines, recently penned an op-ed seemingly softening his stance, acknowledging the role of vaccines in individual and community immunity while maintaining that vaccination should be a personal choice. However, concurrent with this statement, Kennedy has been promoting vitamin A, cod liver oil, and the steroid budesonide as measles treatments.
While vitamin A supplementation has proven beneficial in measles cases involving vitamin A deficiency, medical experts stress its ineffectiveness in non-deficient populations, like the majority in the United States. Dr.
Susan McLellan of the University of Texas Medical Branch emphasizes that vitamin A supplementation offers negligible protection compared to vaccination in such populations. Experts also caution against Kennedy’s portrayal of vitamin A as a preventative measure, reiterating that only vaccination or prior infection confers true immunity.
Furthermore, Kennedy’s endorsement of budesonide and clarithromycin, mentioned in a recent interview, has drawn sharp criticism from medical professionals. Dr.
Andy Pavia of the University of Utah warns that these drugs offer minimal benefits while carrying potential risks, particularly budesonide’s potential to further weaken the immune system, already compromised by measles. The CDC’s updated guidance on measles management now includes physician-administered vitamin A, but no other treatments are specifically recommended.
The Texas outbreak underscores the critical need for vaccination, with experts like Dr. McLellan highlighting the importance of the full two-dose MMR vaccination for optimal protection.
The situation in Texas is now considered difficult to contain, emphasizing the urgency of preventive measures, especially given the vulnerability of unvaccinated adults and pregnant women. The outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the importance of community-wide vaccination efforts in preventing the resurgence of preventable diseases.