A measles outbreak in West Texas has led to a secondary health issue, Vitamin A toxicity—also known as hypervitaminosis A—in infants and children. This has resulted from misinformation spread by Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
This situation was caused by false medical claims promoted by the vaccine-critical Kennedy.
Kennedy has asserted that while the measles vaccine is the best defense against this highly contagious infection, it remains a “personal choice.”
Furthermore, Kennedy suggested that vitamin A can significantly lower measles mortality rates or even prevent infections.
He has directed the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to amend measles guidance to include the recommendation of using vitamin A to combat the disease.
Before resigning in early March, the CDC’s chief communications officer, Thomas Corry, cited Kennedy’s sluggish response to the West Texas outbreak and his promotion of unproven measles treatments as reasons for his departure.
Since Kennedy took over, numerous other CDC and HHS officials have resigned, with at least 10,000 more health workers affected by Elon Musk’s cost-cutting measures—reaching an overall 25% reduction in HHS staff.
West Texas parents possibly harming their children based on Kennedy’s advice?
Despite Kennedy and the CDC advising that vitamin A should only be taken under a doctor’s supervison, West Texas parents are reportedly giving their children high doses, leading to hospitalizations.
Kennedy has also claimed that cod liver oil, which is high in vitamins A and D, is effective against measles.
While vitamin A may be given to measles patients with vitamin A deficiencies, there is no evidence that vitamin A prevents the disease.
There has been an increased demand for cod liver oil in West Texas, despite it having severe negative health effects when consumed excessively.
Covenant Children’s Hospital in Lubbock reports treating less than 10 cases of vitamin A toxicity in recent weeks, with the affected children initially displaying measles symptoms and later showing signs of liver dysfunction caused by excessive vitamin A intake.
Doctors at Covenant are warning against excessive vitamin A consumption, noting it can lead to serious side effects such as dry skin, vision problems, bone issues, and liver failure.
Vaccinations remain the only proven defense against measles
The Texas Department of State Health Services reported 481 measles cases since January 2025. Nationwide, the number of measles cases stood at 607 as of April 4, according to the CDC.
Measles—a highly contagious respiratory infection—had been declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000 due to decades of mass vaccination efforts.
The CDC affirms that the only effective method to prevent measles is the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine, with a 97% efficacy rate.
In February 2025, the Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed the death of a non-vaccinated school-aged child who tested positive for measles upon hospitalization—this was the first U.S. measles-related death since 2015.
Edited by: Wesley Dockery
