A measles epidemic in West Texas has public health officials concerned about the use of unproven remedies endorsed by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., leading to delays in seeking medical care. Nearly 260 people in Texas have been sickened, resulting in 34 hospitalizations and one death. The outbreak has also spread to neighboring New Mexico and Oklahoma.
Kennedy initially downplayed the severity of the outbreak but later recommended vaccines while promoting unproven treatments like cod liver oil and steroids. Experts emphasize that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles and that there is no cure, only treatments to manage symptoms.
In Gaines County, Texas, where the outbreak is centered, alternative medicine is popular, and many in the Mennonite community avoid conventional medical care. This has led to shortages of vitamin A and cod liver oil supplements in local drugstores.
Doctors have noticed a decrease in patients seeking measles testing, with some opting for alternative remedies offered at pop-up clinics by doctors like Dr. Ben Edwards, who opposes vaccines. Despite the availability of free treatments, experts warn that unproven remedies can lead to serious complications and even death.
In the past, outbreaks fueled by reliance on unproven remedies have had deadly consequences, emphasizing the importance of timely medical care. Hospitalized children with pneumonia during this outbreak have been intubated, underscoring the potential severity of the disease.
As the measles outbreak continues to spread, public health officials urge the public to prioritize vaccination and seek medical care promptly in order to prevent serious complications and save lives.
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