Overview

• The U.S. measles outbreak has surpassed 600 cases, with 481 reported in Texas, including one confirmed death and numerous hospitalizations.
• Multiple children in West Texas have been hospitalized with vitamin A toxicity, caused by excessive use of cod liver oil as a measles remedy.
• Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has faced criticism for promoting vitamin A and cod liver oil as treatments, despite limited evidence and associated risks.
• Public health experts stress that the MMR vaccine, with a 97% efficacy rate for two doses, remains the most effective prevention against measles.
• The CDC and WHO recommend vitamin A treatment only for severe deficiencies, which are rare in the U.S., warning against unregulated use.