Measles prevention doesn't involve Vitamin A. Experts clarify the roles of this nutrient.
U.S. Measles Outbreak: An Examination of Vitamin A Supplements and Preventive Measures
The U.S. has witnessed a notable surge in measles cases, with over 1,000 cases reported across 30 states as of May 15, 2025. Regrettably, the outbreak has resulted in three confirmed deaths. The epicenters of the outbreak are primarily located in western Texas and New Mexico, although cases have also been reported in California, New York, Maryland, and other states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has cautioned travelers to exercise vigilance.
Measles, traditionally a well-controlled infectious disease, has seen a few resurgences in recent decades. Notably, the country experienced two major measles outbreaks—the Indiana outbreak of 2005 and another unspecified incident—both fueled by underimmunization.
In light of recent comments from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, many have expressed interest in vitamin A supplements as a potential treatment or preventive measure for measles. Kennedy Jr. has advocated for the use of vitamin A, which can be found in supplements such as cod liver oil, the steroid budesonide, and the antibiotic clarithromycin for treating measles.
While the CDC lists vitamin A as a potential treatment for measles, the agency still recommends vaccination as the primary means of prevention. To shed light on the matter, Medical News Today spoke to three experts: an infectious disease specialist, Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH, from the University of California, San Francisco; and two pediatricians, Daniel Ganjian, MD, FAAP, and Danelle Fisher, MD, FAAP, both from Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California.
Regarding the potential role of vitamin A, Fisher explained that the vitamin, found in common foods like eggs, cheese, fish, milk, and orange and green vegetables, assists with vision and the functioning of the immune system. All three experts agreed that while vitamin A helps the immune system, it does not prevent infectious diseases such as measles. When someone has the measles virus, their body can experience a vitamin A deficiency, making symptoms more severe. In such cases, treatment with two oral doses of Vitamin A can be beneficial.
On the matter of budesonide and clarithromycin, Ganjian emphasized that there is no evidence to support the use of budesonide or other steroids as standard treatment for measles. While a recent retrospective cohort study found no evidence of harm from steroid use in patients with measles, there is no clear indication for their routine use in measles management.
Regarding clarithromycin, Ganjian underlined that antibiotics are reserved for treating confirmed bacterial infections, not viral infections like measles.
In terms of protection against measles, the CDC recommends that people isolate themselves for four days once the measles rash appears. Patients with measles should remain in isolation from four days before to four days after the onset of rash to prevent transmission, as recommended by major guidelines.
The experts concurred that the only effective prevention against measles is vaccination. "Vitamin A is used when a patient already has measles and is not a preventive measure," Gandhi warned. "The best way to prevent measles is to get vaccinated for measles, especially if you are in an area where the outbreak is occurring (West Texas, New Mexico). If you haven't been vaccinated before, get your children vaccinated too, as children can experience very severe cases of measles," Fisher advised.
Lastly, Gandhi and Fisher offered some guidelines regarding the use of vitamin A supplements, noting that cod liver oil contains high amounts of vitamin A, which can cause toxicity if too much is ingested. The experts encourage individuals to consume recommended daily vitamin A intakes, which depend on age, through their diets, and only use supplements if necessary. Exceeding recommended daily levels of vitamin A can cause damage to the body, such as liver damage and other symptoms. It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before initiating any supplement regimen.
The CDC recommends that young children receive their first dose at ages 12-15 months and the second at ages 4-6. Older children, teens, and adults who are not vaccinated should receive one to two doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine, each at least 28 days apart. Those unsure of their vaccination status should speak with their doctor. By prioritizing vaccination and seeking guidance from medical professionals, individuals can protect themselves and their community from the ongoing measles outbreak.
- In the U.S., over 1,000 cases of measles have been reported as of May 15, 2025, with three confirmed deaths.
- The outbreak is primarily centered in western Texas and New Mexico, but cases have been reported in other states like California, New York, and Maryland.
- Measles, an initially well-controlled infectious disease, has seen resurgences in recent decades.
- Two major measles outbreaks occurred in the U.S. in 2005 and a previous unspecified incident, both attributed to underimmunization.
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has suggested vitamin A supplements as a potential treatment or preventive measure for measles.
- Vitamin A, found in cod liver oil, steroids like budesonide, and antibiotics such as clarithromycin, may be considered for treating measles.
- The CDC still recommends vaccination as the primary means of measles prevention, and experts warn that vitamin A is not a preventive measure.
- Vitamin A, found in common foods like fish, eggs, cheese, milk, and vegetables, aids in vision and immune system function.
- While vitamin A helps the immune system, it does not prevent infectious diseases like measles.
- In cases of measles, treatment with two oral doses of Vitamin A can be beneficial when the body experiences a deficiency.
- There is no evidence to support the use of budesonide or other steroids as standard treatment for measles.
- Antibiotics like clarithromycin are reserved for treating confirmed bacterial infections, not viral infections like measles.
- To prevent measles transmission, patients should isolate for four days once the measles rash appears, remaining in isolation for four days before and after the rash onset.
- The experts concurred that vaccination is the only effective prevention against measles for individuals in outbreak-affected areas like West Texas and New Mexico.
- To protect themselves and their community from the ongoing measles outbreak, individuals are advised to prioritize vaccination and seek guidance from medical professionals.
