Kennedy Faces Backlash Amid West Texas Measles Outbreak

Gaines County, Texas — U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is under fire for his vague stance during an escalating measles outbreak in West Texas, which has led to 160 confirmed cases, 22 hospitalizations, and one child fatality as of March 4.

Despite public health officials advocating for the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine as a crucial defense, Kennedy emphasized parental choice in a recent statement rather than urging vaccinations. In his comments, he noted, “The decision to vaccinate is a personal one,” suggesting parents consult their healthcare providers for information on getting the MMR vaccine.

Kennedy diverted attention from vaccines by promoting nutrition and supplements as primary defenses against infectious diseases like measles. He stated that a balanced diet rich in vitamins A, C, and D is essential for health, insisting that these nutrients serve as the “best defense” against measles.

Additionally, he claimed that vitamin A could aid recovery for severe measles cases, aligning with a trend among vaccine-skeptical parents in Gaines County, who have reportedly increased their purchases of vitamin A supplements and cod liver oil, which is rich in vitamin A. “Some people come in before they break out because they’re trying to just get their kids’ immune system up so they don’t get a secondary infection,” Nancy Ginter, owner of a local health food store, stated.

Health experts, however, caution against relying on vitamin A as a treatment for measles. The World Health Organization recommends vitamin A supplementation for hospitalized children, as deficiencies can exacerbate measles infections, but they assert that vitamin A does not prevent measles.

James Campbell, vice chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics‘ Committee on Infectious Diseases, noted, “Vitamin A, at any dose, does not protect you from measles. No one should take, and no parent should give to their child, vitamin A in hopes of preventing measles. It will not do that.”

On March 4, Kennedy announced that the federal government is distributing doses of vitamin A to Gaines County and supporting transportation for patients needing care, but his focus on unconventional treatments has raised concerns among health professionals. Dr. Sean O’Leary, chair of the AAP committee, emphasized that while vitamin A can be beneficial in severe cases, cod liver oil is not an evidence-based treatment for measles.

The measles outbreak began in late January and continues to spread, prompting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to send disease investigators to the region. Local health officials have indicated the true extent of the outbreak may be underreported. Katherine Wells, director of public health in Lubbock, Texas, remarked that the situation’s dimensions remain unclear.

Kennedy’s remarks have met intense scrutiny, as public health advocates call for a united effort to emphasize the importance of vaccinations. Approximately one in five individuals infected with measles will require hospitalization due to complications such as pneumonia or encephalitis, which can lead to severe long-term health issues.