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A team from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recently arrived in Texas to address a rising measles outbreak. U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressed intentions to consult with medical professionals in the region to ascertain effective strategies and gather insights into treatments that, as he claims, may have been overlooked by health authorities.
While there exists a highly effective vaccine to prevent measles, there is currently no specific antiviral treatment for the disease. Kennedy has advocated for the inclusion of vitamin A in treatment plans, and he further discussed a nontraditional approach involving a steroid, an antibiotic, and cod liver oil—an oil that is rich in vitamin A—during an interview with Fox News.
In that interview—shared extensively on Fox Nation—Kennedy highlighted two doctors from West Texas who reportedly have used this treatment regimen effectively, claiming they achieved “almost miraculous and instantaneous recovery” for most of their patients amid the ongoing outbreak, which has seen 159 reported cases to date.
It is worth noting that one of these doctors, Dr. Richard Bartlett, has faced disciplinary actions in the past from the Texas Medical Board for what was classified as “unusual use of risk-filled medications.”
Kennedy also announced intentions for the Health and Human Services Department to initiate a clinical trial investigating the efficacy of budesonide (a steroid), clarithromycin (an antibiotic), and cod liver oil. He recommended that local physicians consider integrating vitamin A into their treatment protocols, even suggesting it could serve as a prophylactic, though many experts argue that vitamin A does not prevent measles.
The Health Secretary acknowledged that vaccination against measles should be a personal choice, yet he emphasized the importance of those residing in less vaccinated communities receiving vaccinations. He stated, “We understand a lot of them will not [vaccinate], and we’re going to try to make sure that they’re taken care of through the best therapeutic interventions that we can provide them or recommend for them.”
Examining a Troubled Medical History
Dr. Richard Bartlett, praised by Kennedy, has a controversial background concerning his treatment methods. He was previously sanctioned by the Texas Medical Board for his treatment approaches involving antibiotics and steroids on patients who did not actually have measles. The complaints against him involved a range of ailments presented by the patients, none of which were measles.
An investigation revealed that Bartlett misdiagnosed several patients and conducted unnecessary tests and treatments. In an order from 2003, he was cited for improperly using potent IV antibiotics and steroids without adequately assessing the risks versus benefits of his treatments.
Despite this history, Bartlett returned to practice in 2005 after complying with the board’s stipulations, including further education and oversight by a colleague. More recently, during the pandemic, he treated COVID-19 patients with a combination therapy he described as a “silver bullet,” which included budesonide and clarithromycin among other medications. However, independent investigations found no scientific evidence supporting Bartlett’s claims.
With measles and COVID-19 being viral in nature, antibiotics do not treat viral infections directly, though they may be useful in secondary bacterial infections stemming from such illnesses. Experts suggest caution when using steroids for measles treatment due to concerns about dampening the body’s immune response during critical periods of infection.
Understanding the Measles Threat
Currently, there is no designated treatment for measles, although healthcare providers may offer supportive care such as supplemental oxygen and fluids in severe cases. Dr. Lara Johnson, the chief medical officer at Covenant Health in Lubbock, Texas, reported that their facility has treated over 20 measles patients so far, adhering to established treatment guidelines.
The CDC advises healthcare providers to consider Vitamin A for patients experiencing severe measles, particularly in developing nations where malnutrition is coupled with a greater risk of complications. Kennedy, in his statements, hinted that nutritional deficits might be a factor contributing to the outbreak in West Texas.
However, conflicting views arise regarding the health status of the affected population. Dr. Leslie Motheral, a local pediatrician, contested Kennedy’s assertion, indicating that children in the area are well-nourished, and the narrative suggesting otherwise could mislead the public about measles susceptibility.
Kennedy further claimed findings indicating that vitamin A might have prophylactic benefits against measles, a point strongly refuted by health professionals, some of whom indicated that excessive vitamin A can actually pose risks.
Dr. Peter Hotez, a recognized expert in vaccine development, noted that the only definitive measure to prevent measles is via the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. He emphasized that the implications of Kennedy’s messages during an outbreak could seriously undermine public health efforts.
Concerns About Public Health Messaging
Kennedy’s approach during this ongoing outbreak has alarmed public health advocates, particularly given his downplayed emphasis on vaccination. The measles vaccine has been proven to be 97% effective when administered in two doses, and widespread vaccination efforts have historically eradicated measles in many communities.
Public health officials expressed concern that Kennedy’s focus on treatments rather than prevention could create confusion during this critical period. Admiral Dr. Brett Giroir, former assistant secretary for health, urged the public not to rely on vitamin A to safeguard children against measles, calling it particularly effective in regions where nutritional deficiencies prevail, unlike in the U.S.
Kennedy’s remarks about vaccine injuries and the need for better risk communication from the CDC were equally met with skepticism from experts, who fear that casting doubt on vaccine safety during a measles outbreak is detrimental to public health messaging.
As health officials articulated, measles remains a significant health threat that is neither trivial nor selective in its severity. Efforts to promote widespread vaccine adherence must remain a priority to counter the resurgence of this highly contagious virus.
This coverage reflects the ongoing complexities surrounding the administration of public health practices and the discourse surrounding vaccination in the context of infectious diseases.
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