Photo credit: arstechnica.com
The ongoing measles outbreak in West Texas, which has risen to 159 confirmed cases, including 22 hospitalizations and one tragic death, has drawn significant attention and criticism directed at US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. His response to the crisis, rooted in his long-standing advocacy against vaccines, has sparked controversy.
Public health officials are advocating for a strong endorsement of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine as a critical measure to halt the spread of this highly contagious illness. However, instead of a clear call to action, Kennedy opted to express his views in an Op-Ed for Fox News, incorporating familiar anti-vaccine rhetoric. While acknowledging that vaccines can “protect individual children” and aid in “community immunity,” Kennedy emphasized parental choice, labeling the vaccination decision as “personal.” He merely suggested that parents engage with healthcare providers regarding MMR vaccination options.
In addition, Kennedy’s focus appears to lean more towards dietary measures rather than vaccination as the front line of defense against measles. He asserted that “good nutrition” is paramount in the fight against infectious diseases, positing that vitamins A, C, and D, along with a diet rich in vitamins B12, C, and E, should be prioritized. His claims on vitamin A, particularly as a treatment for severe cases of measles, highlight the importance of medical supervision when administering such treatments, as endorsed by CDC guidelines.
Nutrition Advocates in a Health Crisis
Kennedy’s viewpoint has encouraged some vaccine-hesitant parents in West Texas to increasingly turn to vitamin A and cod liver oil—sources high in the nutrient. According to a report by The Washington Post, families in Gaines County, the heart of the outbreak which has a significant Mennonite population, have been particularly receptive to this advice. In one local eatery, a waitress promoted vitamin A as an effective support for children experiencing measles.
A nearby health food store has noted a surge in demand for vitamin A products, with owner Nancy Ginter observing that many customers are seeking out cod liver oil and other vitamin-rich foods to bolster their children’s immune systems in anticipation of potential illnesses. “Some people come in before they break out because they’re trying to just get their kids’ immune system to go up so they don’t get a secondary infection,” Ginter explained.
Source
arstechnica.com