Vitamin A And Cod Liver Oil: Why Is Texas Choosing Alternative Measles Treatments Over Vaccines?

A fast spreading measles outbreak in West Texas has led to hundreds of families to seek medical care at an unmarked building in Seminole. The facility almost resembles an abandoned car dealership rather than a medical office. In fact, it is only an informal clinic, where families from the Mennonite community gather daily. There are pick up trucks from all over the Gaines County in parking lot and parents are bringing their sick kids in search of treatment.

The NBC News reports that the space inside is sparsely furnished. They have used makeshift tables and chairs that forms a waiting area. There, Dr Ben Edwards, a physician from Lubbock sees patients one by one. He discusses their diets and nutritional intake, but no lab tests. His approach involves recommending cod liver oil, which is high in vitamin A and D, and budesonide, an inhaled steroid for asthma. The question of vaccinations is however, out of the window.

A community with the low vaccination rates

Gains County is Texas' highest vaccine exemption rates at nearly 18%. This is a cause of concern as it is way higher than the national average, which is at 3%. Many members in the community reject conventional medical approaches and are opting for unproven treatments. Public health officials have however warned that measles is one of the most contagious viruses and stays in the air for hours. However, large indoor gatherings with a makeshift clinic, even though post a high risk of transmission, still continues.

Alternative treatments that people are choosing

Back to Dr Edwards, who is known for his non-traditional medical views, that the NBC News reported, believes in supporting the body's natural defenses through nutrition. He supplies cod liver oil to provide dietary guidance but does not even conduct a vitamin level test before administering these supplements.

It is true that vitamin A has shown to help malnourished children in severe cases, however, there is no evidence that cod liver oil is an effective measles treatment. The overuse of vitamin A can also be toxic, which can make unregulated supplementation a concern.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other medical experts have time and again emphasized that the best way to prevent measles is through vaccination. Despite this, the community members remain skeptical influenced by misinformation.

Anti vaccine influences

Dr Edwards finds many similarities with the now Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. Both of them are vocal against vaccines. In fact, JFK Jr. has promoted alternative treatments, including vitamins, as substitutes for immunization and isolation.

The situation in Texas is no different. It bears similarities to a 2019 measles outbreak in Samoa, where Kennedy's advocacy of alternative treatments contributed to a crisis that resulted in 83 deaths, mostly among children. Though, he denies responsibility.

The Growing Impact of the OutbreakAs of the latest reports, 198 confirmed cases of measles have been recorded in West Texas, with 30 additional cases in neighboring New Mexico. Hospitalizations are rising, with 23 people, mostly unvaccinated children, admitted for complications. Tragically, two deaths have been reported: a six-year-old child in Gaines County and an adult in Lea County.

Despite mounting concerns, skepticism persists. Some anti-vaccine activists claim that the first child’s death was due to other illnesses rather than measles, echoing past misinformation campaigns.