Additional Coverage:
- RFK Jr. asks CDC for new measles treatment guidance (cbsnews.com)
HHS Secretary Kennedy Pushes for Measles Treatment Guidance Amidst Controversy
Amidst record measles outbreaks and growing criticism, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is requesting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop new treatment guidance for measles.
Kennedy has drawn fire for remarks that downplay the severity of measles and promote misinformation about vaccines. The controversy surrounds his advocacy for alternative treatments, despite the established scientific consensus that vaccination is the only effective preventative measure.
An HHS spokesperson confirmed that Kennedy aims to mobilize the agency to explore treatment options for various diseases, including measles. This initiative will involve collaborations with universities to develop protocols, conduct testing, and seek approval for new applications of existing drugs, potentially in conjunction with vitamins and other therapies.
While the CDC continues to champion vaccination as the most effective preventative measure against measles, the HHS acknowledges that some individuals may opt out of vaccination. Their stated commitment is to support all families, regardless of vaccination status, in minimizing the risks of hospitalization, complications, and fatalities associated with measles.
Kennedy’s recent comments suggest a focus on alternative treatments. He claims there are numerous effective ways to treat measles and emphasizes the need for doctors to be aware of these methods. He specifically mentioned budesonide, clarithromycin, and vitamin A as potential treatments, despite limited scientific evidence supporting their efficacy.
The CDC recently published a fact sheet for doctors on measles treatment, noting that treatments like antibiotics should be prescribed based on a healthcare provider’s clinical judgment.
Kennedy’s claims regarding the effectiveness of budesonide and clarithromycin are based on anecdotal accounts from two Texas doctors who have faced criticism for their unconventional approaches. Medical experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), have cautioned against these unproven therapies, emphasizing that there is no cure for measles and promoting such treatments is misleading and potentially dangerous.
While some medications can help manage severe measles complications, they do not target the measles virus itself. The decision to use such treatments should be made on a case-by-case basis by doctors overseeing hospitalized measles patients.
Kennedy’s request to the CDC also follows the agency’s strengthened warning against the overuse of vitamin A. While vitamin A can help reduce the severity of measles, excessive amounts can be toxic.
The CDC recommends vitamin A administration under the supervision of a healthcare provider and cautions against exceeding recommended dosages. This contrasts with Kennedy’s promotion of cod liver oil, which contains high levels of vitamin A and can be harmful in large doses.
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- RFK Jr. asks CDC for new measles treatment guidance (cbsnews.com)