Measles prevention isn't connected to Vitamin A. Instead, learn about its role in other health aspects.
U.S. Measles Outbreak: Insights on Vitamin A supplements and Prevention Strategy
The United States has witnessed a surge in measles cases, reaching over 1,000 across 30 states. Despite three known deaths, the outbreak seems to be concentrated in western Texas and New Mexico. Besides these states, California, New York, and Maryland are among others reporting cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has urged travelers to remain vigilant.
Measles is an infectious disease that has traditionally been under control, except for occasional spikes. The U.S. experienced two major measles outbreaks in recent decades, the most notable being the Indiana outbreak of 2005, both instances driven by undervaccination.
Recently, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, suggested that vitamin A supplements, such as those found in cod liver oil, together with the steroid budesonide and the antibiotic clarithromycin could help treat measles. However, the CDC still advocates for vaccination over such treatments.
To clarify common queries about vitamin A supplements for measles and prevention strategies, Medical News Today consulted three 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.
Can vitamin A prevent or treat measles?
Vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin that aids vision and immune system functioning, can be found in several common foods such as eggs, cheese, fish, milk, orange, and green vegetables. While it helps the immune system, vitamin A does not protect against measles, the experts noted. However, the disease itself can cause vitamin A deficiency, worsening symptoms.
The role of budesonide and clarithromycin
While antibiotics are reserved for treating bacterial infections, neither budesonide nor clarithromycin carry evidence supporting their use as standard treatments for measles, experts warned. The CDC emphasizes that vaccination remains the most effective prevention against measles.
Protecting yourself against measles
To prevent measles, it is essential to get vaccinated, especially if living in areas experiencing an outbreak. Patients diagnosed with measles should isolate for four days before and after the onset of a rash to prevent transmission, as recommended by major guidelines.
Vitamin A supplements are not a preventive measure for measles and should not be taken to protect against the disease, experts advised.
Vitamin A and cod liver oil: What to know
Cod liver oil contains vitamin A, vitamin D, and fatty acids, making it a more intricate supplement. High amounts of vitamin A can cause damage to the body, with symptoms such as skin and bone fragility, headache, liver damage, and more. It's crucial to avoid consuming excessive amounts to prevent vitamin A toxicity.
The recommended daily vitamin A intake depends on age, with babies and children needing less, and women requiring 700 mcg daily. People with certain conditions like premature infants or those with celiac disease or Crohn's disease may require supplementation to meet daily requirements.
Current measles vaccine recommendations
Health authorities recommend administering the first MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age and the second between 4 and 6 years of age. Older children, teens, and adults who are not vaccinated should receive one to two MMR vaccine doses, each at least 28 days apart. If unsure about vaccination history, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
The scientists' consensus is that while vitamin A supplements have some benefits in reducing measles symptoms, they are not a substitute for vaccination, which remains the most effective preventive strategy.
- The recent US measles outbreak has grown beyond 1,000 cases across 30 states, with the majority concentrated in western Texas and New Mexico.
- Vaccination is urged by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for travelers due to the ongoing measles outbreak.
- Undervaccination has been a contributing factor to the major measles outbreaks in the US, including the Indiana outbreak of 2005.
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suggested a treatment for measles involving vitamin A supplements, steroid budesonide, and antibiotic clarithromycin, but the CDC still advocates for vaccination over such treatments.
- Vitamin A, found in common foods like eggs, cheese, fish, milk, and green vegetables, does not protect against measles, despite aiding vision and immune system functioning.
- Budesonide and clarithromycin do not have evidence supporting their use as standard treatments for measles, according to experts, and the CDC emphasizes that vaccination is the most effective prevention against measles.
- To prevent measles, vaccination is crucial, especially in areas experiencing an outbreak. Patients diagnosed with measles should isolate for four days before and after the onset of a rash to prevent transmission.
- Vitamin A supplements are not a preventive measure for measles and should not be taken to protect against the disease, experts advise.
- Cod liver oil, which contains vitamin A, vitamin D, and fatty acids, should be consumed in moderation to avoid vitamin A toxicity.
- The recommended daily vitamin A intake varies by age, with babies and children needing less, and women requiring 700 mcg daily. Certain medical conditions like premature infants, celiac disease, or Crohn's disease may require supplementation to meet daily requirements.
- The first MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine is recommended between 12 and 15 months of age, and the second between 4 and 6 years of age. Older children, teens, and adults who are not vaccinated should receive one to two MMR vaccine doses, each at least 28 days apart.
- While vitamin A supplements can have benefits in reducing measles symptoms, they are not a substitute for vaccination, which remains the most effective preventive strategy, according to scientists.
