Measles Outbreak Grows as Misinformation Fuels Dangerous Vitamin A Use

Doctors report vitamin A toxicity in unvaccinated children as the U.S. faces its largest measles outbreak since 2019, with 378 cases across 17 states.

The U.S. has recorded 378 measles cases across 17 states in 2025, the highest number since 2019, with two deaths and dozens of hospitalizations reported.
Unvaccinated children in West Texas have developed vitamin A toxicity, including liver damage and yellowed skin, due to excessive use of the vitamin as a measles remedy.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has promoted vitamin A and cod liver oil as alternative treatments, despite no evidence supporting their effectiveness in preventing or curing measles.
Public health experts emphasize the 97% effectiveness of the MMR vaccine in preventing measles and warn against misinformation leading to unregulated and harmful treatments.
Doctors are urging parents to prioritize vaccination, as the outbreak highlights the dangers of declining immunization rates and the spread of unproven remedies.