Measles prevention not guaranteed by Vitamin A; specialists disclose its true functions.
Resurgence of Measles Outbreak in the United States: Current Scenario, Treatment Options, and Prevention Measures
Amid ongoing concerns, a significant measles outbreak is currently ravaging the United States, reported in over 30 states, with a death toll of three as of May 15, 2025. The recent surge in cases has primarily affected western Texas and New Mexico, but measles infections have been reported in California, New York, Maryland, and several other states. A travel advisory has been issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for travelers. This recent outbreak is reminiscent of previous surges, such as the Indiana outbreak in 2005, which were linked to under-vaccination.
The United States Health and Human Services secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has recently suggested vitamin A supplements as alternative treatment options for measles. According to Kennedy Jr., vitamin A, abundant in supplements like cod liver oil, as well as the steroid budesonide and the antibiotic clarithromycin, may offer potential benefits in managing measles. However, the CDC still firmly advises vaccination as the most effective course of action for the prevention and control of measles.
To better understand the role of vitamin A, budesonide, and clarithromycin in the context of measles, Medical News Today spoke to three medical and public health experts. The experts, Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, and pediatricians Daniel Ganjian and Danelle Fisher, both at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, expressed their professional opinions on these treatment options.
Can vitamin A prevent or treat measles?
Vitamin A is a vital fat-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy vision and the functioning of the immune system. Found in foods like eggs, cheese, fish, milk, and orange and green vegetables, vitamin A is crucial for overall health. Contrary to some claims, however, vitamin A does not prevent the spread of measles. Although it supports the immune system, it does not bestow any protective effect against infectious diseases like measles. Vitamin A deficiency can occur during the disease itself, making symptoms more extreme. In such conditions, treatment with two oral doses of Vitamin A can help alleviate some symptoms but should not be relied upon as a primary measure for prevention.
What about budesonide and clarithromycin?
While there is ongoing interest in the use of budesonide and clarithromycin for treating measles, medical experts caution against relying on these medications without evidence-based support. Current research does not support the use of budesonide as a standard treatment for measles. Although studies have found no evidence of harm from steroid use, their use should not be considered a routine part of measles management unless supported by specific clinical indications. Similarly, the use of antibiotics like clarithromycin, which are reserved for treating confirmed bacterial infections, is not recommended for the treatment of viral infections like measles.
How to protect yourself against measles
The CDC states that people become contagious with measles once the rash appears, necessitating a four-day isolation period for those with the disease to prevent further transmission. Besides self-isolation, vaccination remains the most reliable method for preventing the spread of measles. To minimize the risk of infection, experts recommend vaccinating yourself, particularly if you reside in regions where the outbreak is prevalent, such as western Texas and New Mexico. Parents are encouraged to vaccinate their children, as young people are particularly susceptible to severe cases of measles.
Vitamin A and cod liver oil: What to know
Cod liver oil contains not only vitamin A but also vitamin D and fatty acids, making it a more complex supplement. While most people obtain their daily vitamin A requirements through diet, certain populations, such as preterm infants and those with digestive disorders like celiac disease or Crohn's disease, may require supplements. Consuming vitamin A in high amounts can pose health risks, including liver damage, skin, and bone fragility, and headaches. People taking supplements should be mindful to avoid exceeding daily limits, which vary by age.
Current measles vaccine recommendations
In response to the increasing number of measles cases, health authorities have updated their vaccine recommendations. Young children should receive their first dose between 12 and 15 months, with the second dose administered between 4 and 6 years of age. Older children, teens, and adults who have not been vaccinated should receive one or two doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine, administered at least 28 days apart. For individuals unsure about their vaccination status, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional.
- The resurgence of measles outbreak in the United States has been reported in over 30 states, including California, New York, and Maryland.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a travel advisory for travelers due to the measles outbreak.
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the United States Health and Human Services secretary, has suggested vitamin A supplements as alternative treatment options for measles.
- Vitamin A, abundant in supplements like cod liver oil, as well as the steroid budesonide and the antibiotic clarithromycin, may offer potential benefits in managing measles.
- However, the CDC still firmly advises vaccination as the most effective course of action for the prevention and control of measles.
- Medical News Today spoke to three medical and public health experts about the role of vitamin A, budesonide, and clarithromycin in the context of measles.
- Contrary to some claims, vitamin A does not prevent the spread of measles but supports the immune system.
- Although it can help alleviate some symptoms in cases of vitamin A deficiency during the disease, it should not be relied upon as a primary measure for prevention.
- Current research does not support the use of budesonide as a standard treatment for measles.
- The use of antibiotics like clarithromycin, which are reserved for treating confirmed bacterial infections, is not recommended for the treatment of viral infections like measles.
- People become contagious with measles once the rash appears, necessitating a four-day isolation period.
- Vaccination remains the most reliable method for preventing the spread of measles, particularly for those residing in regions where the outbreak is prevalent.
- Consuming vitamin A in high amounts can pose health risks, including liver damage, skin, and bone fragility, and headaches.
- In response to the increasing number of measles cases, health authorities have updated their vaccine recommendations, including advice for children, teens, and adults who have not been vaccinated.
- For individuals unsure about their vaccination status, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional.
- Cod liver oil contains not only vitamin A but also vitamin D and fatty acids, making it a more complex supplement.
- Certain populations, such as preterm infants and those with digestive disorders like celiac disease or Crohn's disease, may require supplements to meet their daily vitamin A requirements.
