A growing measles crisis is taking hold in West Texas. On March 4, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary, Mr Robert F. Kennedy Jr., highlighted several unconventional approaches to tackle the outbreak, such as the use of cod liver oil. Yet, he once again refrained from recommending vaccination to the general public. In an interview that was broadcast earlier, Mr Kennedy informed that the government was distributing vitamin A doses in Gaines County, the hub of the epidemic, as well as assisting with ambulance services.
However, Mr Kennedy did not mention the aspect of vaccination as a part of the government’s response. The HHS had previously announced their plan to supply doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine to crisis-stricken Texas. Interestingly though, Mr Kennedy lauded the effect of specific treatments being used in Texas, which have purportedly shown commendable results against the measles outbreak.
The approach in Texas incorporates the use of a steroid known as budesonide, an antibiotic called clarithromycin, and importantly, cod liver oil. According to Mr Kennedy, cod liver oil is rich in vitamin A and D, making it an effective remedy against measles. That being said, the medical community has been skeptical about the use of cod liver oil as a treatment option.
Dr Sean O’Leary, head of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases, voiced his doubts over cod liver oil’s effectiveness quite openly. He pointed out the lack of substantial evidence supporting the practice of treating severe measles in children with the supplement. Furthermore, Dr O’Leary admitted he had not encountered any instances of cod liver oil being used against measles before.
The future course of the outbreak remains uncertain. Encouragingly, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on March 4 that they would assign its disease investigators to Texas, expressing their intent to strengthen efforts towards curbing the virus’s spread.
The situation, however, remains dire, with no significant slow down in sight as per the latest data released by state health officials. By late January this year, as many as 160 individuals were recorded to have contracted measles in Texas. The figure represents a sharp increase – 20 more cases than what was recorded on February 28, solidifying the severity of the situation. Along with this, the disease has necessitated the hospitalization of 22 individuals so far.
At a time when the potential of the MMR vaccine against measles is widely recognized, the underemphasis on its administration by federal officials has been a cause for major concern and critique. The vaccine is arguably one of the most significant tools for mitigating the spread of the disease.
The full scope of the ongoing outbreak, which has already claimed the life of a child, is yet to be determined. The reported number of cases in Texas, according to public health officials, probably doesn’t reflect the actual magnitude of the situation. Lubbock’s public health director, Ms Katherine Wells, suspects the actual number of measles cases is higher than the official count.
Adding to the concerns, a county from New Mexico, which shares its borders with Gaines County, has confirmed nine measles cases. This has further complicated the already concerning health crisis.
It’s important to understand that while measles normally clears up within a few weeks, it has the potential to cause severe health complications. In rare instances, the virus leads to pneumonia or inflammation of the brain, known as encephalitis. These complications can, in return, result in permanent health effects such as blindness, hearing loss, and cognitive impairment.
Alarmingly, the CDC predicts that one in every five individuals who contract measles will require hospital care. Beyond the instantaneous danger, the virus can also compromise the immune system over the long term, making survivors susceptible to future infections.
However, it’s also worth noting that these complications are not the norm, and can be largely prevented through the timely administration of the MMR vaccine. The massive measles outbreak in West Texas acts as a reminder of the critical role of vaccines in disease control, and the need for consistent public health messaging around this important preventive measure.