Measles Cases Surge Amid Vaccine Hesitancy
There have been two reported deaths and about 200 confirmed cases of measles in West Texas, and the outbreak is rapidly expanding. Many families are choosing alternative therapies over vaccinations and medical care, especially in Gaines County’s Mennonite community.
Compared to the 3% national average, the county has one of the highest vaccination exemption rates in Texas—nearly 18%. This resistance to conventional medicine has led to a growing reliance on unproven remedies, including cod liver oil.
Functional Medicine with Cod Liver Oil Take the Place of Conventional Care
In an unidentified facility in Seminole, Texas, Dr. Ben Edwards, a doctor who practices “integrative medicine,” has been treating measles victims. He suggests using cod liver oil, which includes vitamins A and D, in place of immunizations or tried-and-true medical treatments. Although he does not conduct blood testing to identify vitamin deficiencies, he does offer dietary recommendations.
Vitamin A is usually administered in hospitals, even though it can benefit in severe measles cases. There is no proof that cod liver oil prevents or treats the illness, and health professionals caution that high dosages can be harmful.
Ties to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Anti-Vaccine Movement
Edwards has publicly supported vaccine skepticism and spoken with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the newly appointed U.S.Despite the overwhelming scientific evidence that vaccines are the safest and most effective approach to prevent measles, Secretary of Health and Human Services John F. has advocated for vitamins and diet above vaccinations.
Kennedy was previously implicated in a measles outbreak in Samoa in 2019 that advocated alternative therapies over vaccinations.. That outbreak resulted in 83 deaths, mostly children.
Health Officials Sound the Alarm
Texas health officials and medical experts are concerned about the growing outbreak. Measles is one of the most contagious viruses, capable of lingering in the air for hours.
“The longer this goes on, the greater the risk of spreading to new communities,” said Katherine Wells, director of public health at the Lubbock Health Department.
Covenant Children’s Hospital in Lubbock has already treated 36 measles cases. So far, 23 people—mostly unvaccinated children—have been hospitalized in West Texas.
Community Pushback Against Vaccination Efforts
Despite the severity of the outbreak, many families remain resistant to vaccines. A local health food store, Health 2 U, distributes cod liver oil, sometimes for free, as an alternative to medical care. Some families seek advice from practitioners of alternative medicine instead of going to hospitals at all.
To better understand vaccine reluctance and promote vaccination efforts, a CDC measles specialist recently traveled to Gaines County. Skepticism is still strong, though.
In the area, Mennonite households maintain that they make educated judgments. “These mamas, these daddies—they do their reading,” said local historian Tina Siemens.
Meanwhile, health officials continue to stress the importance of vaccination. “Every single illness, hospitalization, and death from measles is preventable,” said Dr. David Higgins, a pediatrician at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.
As the outbreak spreads, the battle between science and misinformation continues in West Texas
Source: NBC News
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