The measles outbreak in Texas and neighboring New Mexico is fueling myths and conspiracy theories about the disease and the MMR vaccine. As of March 7, one death, 198 infections, and 23 hospitalizations have been reported in Texas, including five cases in vaccinated individuals. In New Mexico, one death and 10 cases have been reported. Since January, the U.S. has reported nearly two-thirds of all the measles cases recorded last year. After initially downplaying the outbreak as “not unusual,” Kennedy has since issued a “call to action” in an op-ed that encouraged vaccination as a “personal choice” and claimed that good nutrition is a “best defense” against infectious diseases. Kennedy promoted vitamin A supplementation to treat measles, leading some to falsely suggest that vitamin A can prevent measles infections. Many social media users minimized the severity of measles as “just a rash,” accused the media of “fearmongering,” and encouraged so-called “measles parties” to intentionally expose unvaccinated children to measles.
Recommendation
False claims about measles severity and the importance of MMR vaccination may cause parents to delay or refuse vaccination during an active outbreak. Debunking messaging may emphasize that vitamin A does not prevent measles infections and is not a substitute for vaccination. The vitamin is used in developing countries to reduce measles severity in malnourished children with existing vitamin A deficiencies, which affect less than one percent of the U.S. population. Emphasizing that vaccination is safe, 97 percent effective against measles infection, and the only way to prevent measles is recommended.
Fact-checking sources: Public Good News, AFP
