In the midst of a significant measles outbreak in western Texas that has affected 146 individuals and tragically claimed the life of a school-age child, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention made its first public announcement, drawing attention to a treatment that has piqued the interest of infectious disease specialists.
The statement emphasized that “Measles does not have a specific antiviral treatment,” and indicated that supportive care, including the administration of vitamin A under medical supervision, could be beneficial. Dr. Lara Johnson, a pediatrician and the chief medical officer at Covenant Children’s Hospital in Lubbock, Texas, where patients from the current outbreak are receiving treatment, refrained from confirming the hospital’s use of vitamin A, stating that their physicians adhere to recommended treatment guidelines for measles patients.
Vitamin A plays a crucial role in various bodily functions such as vision, growth, and immunity. It has long been utilized in severe cases of measles in children in developing nations where vitamin deficiencies are prevalent. Studies have shown that it can help reduce complications and lower the risk of death in such cases, although it is not considered a cure for the disease. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization have recommended its use in hospitalized children with measles.
Dr. Camille Sabella, director of pediatric infectious diseases at Cleveland Clinic Children’s, acknowledged the significant benefits observed in studies conducted in resource-limited countries and expressed support for the CDC’s endorsement of vitamin A. In the United States, vitamin A is less commonly employed for measles cases, possibly due to the adequate dietary intake of vitamin A by most Americans.
While the efficacy of vitamin A in developed countries like the U.S. remains uncertain, experts agree that there is minimal risk associated with its administration at appropriate doses. Dr. Bernard Camins, medical director for infection prevention at the Mount Sinai Health System in New York, noted that vitamin A may not prevent measles but can be beneficial in aiding recovery when appropriately used.
Concerns have been raised about misinformation regarding treatment options, with parallels drawn to the misinformation spread during the Covid pandemic. It is crucial for individuals to rely on vaccination as a preventive measure rather than solely depending on alternative treatments like vitamin A.
“We need to fundraise and send vitamin A to affected communities,” said Dr. David Higgins, a pediatrician and preventive medicine specialist at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. He emphasized the importance of dispelling the misconception that vitamin A can serve as an alternative to MMR vaccination in preventing diseases like measles. “There are instances in the past where this misinformation has spread within communities, but it is crucial to understand that vitamin A should never be viewed as a substitute for MMR vaccination,” Dr. Higgins stated, highlighting the need for clear communication in public health messaging.
One of the concerns regarding the use of vitamin A is its potential toxicity at high levels. Being a fat-soluble vitamin, it can accumulate in the body’s organs, such as the liver, instead of being excreted through urine. Dr. Yonts, another expert in the field, noted that vitamin A overdose is possible and should be administered cautiously, typically reserved for cases of known deficiency or severe illness in hospitalized patients. Pregnant women with measles and inadequate vitamin intake may also benefit from vitamin A supplementation.
International health organizations including the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have established specific dosing guidelines for administering vitamin A during measles outbreaks based on age. The recommended duration of supplementation is typically limited to two days to prevent potential adverse effects. Dr. Yonts warned against the potential misuse of vitamin A, expressing concern that communities may resort to daily high-dose intake in hopes of warding off measles, which could lead to negative health outcomes and complications due to vitamin accumulation in the body.
