Measles prevention isn't linked to Vitamin A. Health specialists shed light on the true functions of this nutrient.
Outbreak of Measles in the United States: Understanding Vitamin A Supplements and Prevention Measures
The United States is currently grappling with a significant measles outbreak, spanning 30 states and causing three confirmed deaths as of May 15, 2025. The recent surge in cases has been concentrated around western Texas and New Mexico, with additional cases reported in California, New York, Maryland, and other states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has urged travelers to exercise caution.
Measles, a traditionally well-controlled infectious disease, has witnessed brief surges in the past. The U.S. has experienced two major measles outbreaks in the last few decades - the Indiana outbreak of 2005 - both stemming from undervaccination.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, has suggested that vitamin A supplements, such as cod liver oil, along with the steroid budesonide and the antibiotic clarithromycin, could help treat measles. However, the CDC still recommends vaccination as the most effective method of prevention.
A common question arises: Can vitamin A prevent or treat measles?
Medical News Today spoke to three medical and public health experts to shed light on this and other related queries. The three experts were an infectious disease specialist, Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH, an infectious disease specialist with the University of California, San Francisco; Daniel Ganjian, MD, FAAP, a board-certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA; and Danelle Fisher, MD, FAAP, another board-certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA.
When it comes to vitamin A, the experts agreed that it provides no preventive benefits. While it does aid the immune system, vitamin A does not protect against infectious diseases such as measles. When someone has the measles virus, their body can develop a vitamin A deficiency. In such cases, treatment with two oral doses of vitamin A can be helpful, avoiding severe complications.
Regarding the use of budesonide or clarithromycin, there is currently no concrete evidence supporting their widespread use as standard treatments for measles. The CDC maintains that antibiotics, including clarithromycin, should only be used if there is clinical evidence of a secondary bacterial infection.
To ensure protection against measles, the CDC advises that individuals remain in isolation from the appearance of the measles rash for four days. Vaccination is the only effective preventive measure against measles, especially in areas with ongoing outbreaks like western Texas and New Mexico. Children should also receive their vaccinations if they have not been vaccinated before.
Cod liver oil contains vitamin A, vitamin D, and fatty acids, making it a more complex supplement. Vitamin A, when consumed in excessive amounts, can cause damage to the body, such as liver damage and bone fragility. It is essential to ensure that vitamin A intake remains within recommended daily levels.
In conclusion, while vitamin A can help alleviate some symptoms of measles, it is not effective or proven for preventing or treating the disease itself. Vaccination remains the best means of protection against measles. For further information and guidelines, speak with your healthcare provider.
- The recent surge in measles cases in the United States, affecting 30 states, has raised concerns about vitamin A supplements and their potential role in prevention.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still recommends vaccination as the most effective method to prevent measles, contradicting the suggestions made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for vitamin A supplements.
- Three medical and public health experts, including Monica Gandhi, Dan Ganjian, and Danelle Fisher, weighed in on the possibility of vitamin A playing a role in treating or preventing measles.
- According to the experts, vitamin A does not provide preventive benefits against measles, but it can aid the immune system.
- In cases where someone has the measles virus, a vitamin A deficiency can develop, and treatment with two oral doses of vitamin A can help avoid severe complications.
- Budesonide and clarithromycin, as suggested by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., lack evidence to support their use as standard treatments for measles.
- Cod liver oil, containing vitamin A, vitamin D, and fatty acids, necessitates careful consideration due to potential risks associated with excessive vitamin A intake, such as liver damage and bone fragility.
- To protect themselves against measles, individuals are advised to remain in isolation after the appearance of the measles rash for four days.
- Vaccination is the only effective preventive measure against measles, particularly in areas like western Texas and New Mexico currently experiencing outbreaks.
- It is crucial for children to receive their vaccinations, especially if they have not been vaccinated before.
- Aside from its potential benefits for measles, cod liver oil has been associated with the health-and-wellness industry, catering to various aspects of food-and-drink, personal finance, business, lifestyle, education-and-self-development, technology, and other interests.
- To learn more about measles, prevention measures, and guidelines, consult your healthcare provider for accurate information.
