Misconception Debunked: Measles Prevention Not Linked to Vitamin A. Experts Address its Actual Role
Elevated Measles Cases Prompt Questions on Vitamin A Treatment in U.S.
A recent surge in measles cases across several states in the United States has sparked discourse surrounding alternative treatments and prevention methods. Notably, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s comments on vitamin A supplements as potential treatments have prompted increased interest.
As of May 15, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 1,000 measles cases nationwide, with outbreaks in Western Texas, New Mexico, California, New York, and Maryland, among other states. The outbreak chains have resulted in three confirmed deaths. Travelers are being urged to exercise caution due to the ongoing spread of the contagious disease.
Historically, the CDC has managed measles as a well-controlled infectious disease, with a few notable surges. Notably, the outbreaks in the past few decades include the Indiana outbreak of 2005, which also occurred due to undervaccination.
Secretary Kennedy Jr. has suggested that vitamin A, found in supplements such as cod liver oil, along with the steroid budesonide and the antibiotic clarithromycin, may provide "good results" in treating measles. However, the CDC still advocates for vaccination as the most effective means of prevention.
Three medical and public health experts spoke with Medical News Today to address common questions about vitamin A supplements and measles prevention. Highlights from their conversations are presented below.
Can Vitamin A Prevent or Treat Measles?
Dr. Danelle Fisher, a board-certified pediatrician, explained that vitamin A is essential for vision and immune system function. Despite its role in supporting the immune system, vitamin A does not protect against infections like measles. However, the disease itself can induce vitamin A deficiency, exacerbating symptoms.
In such cases, two oral doses of Vitamin A can be helpful. According to Dr. Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease specialist, two doses of Vitamin A are recommended for children (especially those under the age of 2) with severe measles, as per a Cochrane review and the World Health Organization recommendations.
Are Budesonide and Clarithromycin Effective in Measles Treatment?
After Secretary Kennedy Jr. praised budesonide and clarithromycin for treating two children with measles, concerns have been raised about the unproven benefits of these medications for viral infections like measles.
Dr. Daniel Ganjian, another board-certified pediatrician, emphasized that there is no evidence to support the use of budesonide as a standard treatment for measles. Similarly, antibiotics like clarithromycin should only be used to treat confirmed bacterial infections, such as pneumonia or otitis media, and not for routine or preventive therapy.
Measures to Prevent Measles Spread
The CDC advises that measles patients are contagious starting from the appearance of the rash. To prevent transmission, patients should isolate themselves for four days before and four days after the rash onset, as recommended by major guidelines.
Dr. Fisher stated that the single most effective means of preventing measles is through vaccination, especially in areas where outbreaks are occurring, such as Western Texas and New Mexico. In addition, older children, teens, and adults who have not been vaccinated should receive one to two doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine, each at least 28 days apart.
In light of the ongoing measles outbreak, individuals who have not received the MMR vaccine or are unsure of their vaccination status should consult their healthcare provider. It is especially crucial for children to be vaccinated as they can experience severe cases of measles.
Vitamin A, Cod Liver Oil, and Dietary Considerations
Cod liver oil contains vitamin A, vitamin D, and fatty acids, making it a more complex supplement. While some people may need supplements to meet their daily requirements, most individuals can consume the recommended daily allowance through their diets.
Premature infants, people with diseases that may interfere with dietary absorption (such as celiac disease or Crohn's disease), and others may require supplementation. However, taking large amounts of vitamin A can cause toxicity, leading to potential damage to the body and requiring appropriate care to avoid.
Current Measles Vaccine Recommendations
In response to the growing measles outbreak in the U.S., young children should receive their first dose of the MMR vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age and their second dose between 4 and 6 years of age. Older children, teens, and adults who have not been vaccinated or are unsure of their vaccination status should receive one to two doses of the MMR vaccine, each at least 28 days apart. Consult your healthcare provider for further guidance.
- Regular consumption of food and food benefits, such as fish rich in Vitamin A, can help maintain a balanced immune system.
- In addition to fish, supplements like cod liver oil, containing retinol, can assist in providing the necessary Vitamin A.
- It is a misconception that Vitamin A supplements can prevent or treat measles; instead, the disease itself can deplete Vitamin A levels.
- For severe measles cases, especially among children under 2, two doses of Vitamin A are recommended by the Cochrane review and World Health Organization as per Dr. Monica Gandhi.
- Budesonide and clarithromycin, as suggested by Secretary Kennedy Jr., may not be effective for viral infections like measles, with no evidence supporting their use as standard treatments according to Dr. Daniel Ganjian.
- To prevent measles transmission, infected patients should isolate themselves for eight days, following CDC guidelines.
- Vaccination remains the most effective means of preventing measles, especially for those living in outbreak areas like Western Texas and New Mexico, according to Dr. Danelle Fisher.
- Older children, teens, and adults who are unvaccinated should consult their healthcare providers and get caught up on the MMR vaccine, as they are at greater risk of severe measles.
- Cod liver oil, apart from Vitamin A, is also rich in Vitamin D and fatty acids, making it a complex supplement.
- While some individuals may require supplementation, most can meet their daily Vitamin A requirements through their diet.
- Premature infants, people with chronic diseases, and those with conditions affecting dietary absorption may require Vitamin A supplementation.
- Exceeding the recommended daily allowance for Vitamin A through supplementation can lead to toxicity and potential health problems.
- As the measles outbreak continues, it is crucial for young children to receive the MMR vaccine according to the CDC's recommended schedule.
- Individuals unsure of their vaccination status should consult their healthcare providers to ensure they are up-to-date on their immunizations.
- Managing personal finances, including investing in health-and-wellness ventures like businesses focusing on health technology or creating personal-growth programs, can contribute to addressing chronic diseases like measles and promote a better overall lifestyle.
