“Children in West Texas Poisoned by Vitamin A After Measles Treatment”
Hospital officials in West Texas have confirmed that several children have been treated for vitamin A toxicity as a result of trying to treat measles at home. Covenant Children’s Hospital in Lubbock has acknowledged “fewer than 10 cases” of vitamin A toxicity among children who were initially hospitalized for measles complications. Dr. Lara Johnson, a pediatric hospitalist and chief medical officer, explained that abnormal liver function detected in routine lab tests was likely caused by vitamin A toxicity. Some of the children had been using vitamin A for both treating and preventing measles. These reports come amid a surge of measles outbreaks nationwide, with the largest one centered in Gaines County, West Texas. Despite claims by a top health official that vitamin A could help with measles, doctors and experts disagree. Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles, with a 97% efficacy rate according to the CDC.
Measles, also known as rubeola, is a highly contagious viral infection that can lead to serious complications such as ear infections, pneumonia, and diarrhea. Additional symptoms of measles that typically appear a few days after the initial signs include blue-white spots in the mouth known as Koplik spots, followed by a red-brown rash that starts at the hairline and spreads downwards on the body. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, the rash usually emerges around 14 days after exposure to the virus.
Measles is transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also spread through touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin primarily stored in the liver and can be found in foods such as meat, fish, egg yolks, dairy products, and certain fruits and vegetables. Vitamin A toxicity, or hypervitaminosis A, occurs when there is an excessive amount of vitamin A in the body. Infants and children are more susceptible to vitamin A toxicity and can experience symptoms such as abnormal softening of the skull bone, poor weight gain, blurred vision, dizziness, bone pain, decreased appetite, and more.
While vitamin A is essential for overall health, excessive consumption can lead to harmful effects. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor vitamin A intake, especially in vulnerable populations like infants and children. Vitamin A supplementation may be recommended for measles patients, particularly those who are malnourished or deficient in essential nutrients. The CDC advises that the MMR vaccine provides the best protection against measles, with two doses being 97% effective in preventing the infection.
In light of recent cases of vitamin A toxicity in measles patients, healthcare professionals urge caution in administering vitamin A treatment. It is essential to consult with a physician before initiating any vitamin A therapy, especially in individuals with existing nutrient deficiencies or health concerns. Proper management and monitoring of vitamin A levels are crucial to prevent adverse effects and ensure the well-being of patients.
