#Vitamin-A

The recent measles outbreak affecting West Texas and New Mexico has taken an unexpected turn with several patients suffering from vitamin A toxicity, raising alarm over health misinformation. At Covenant Children’s Hospital in Lubbock—close to the outbreak’s center—some of the unvaccinated children hospitalized for measles exhibited signs of abnormal liver function, a likely indication of excessive vitamin A intake, explained Dr. Lara Johnson, pediatric hospitalist and chief medical officer for Covenant Health-Lubbock Service Area source.

A measles outbreak across West Texas and parts of New Mexico has raised concerns beyond the virus itself. At a major pediatric hospital in Lubbock, clinicians report abnormal liver function in unvaccinated children treated for measles, prompting questions about vitamin A. Authorities caution against unverified health tips circulating online.

Experts warn that false claims about vitamin A preventing measles have circulated widely, fueling confusion among families. Public health leaders reiterate that vaccination remains the strongest, evidence-based defense. Two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine are about 97% effective, making immunization the most reliable protection. Supplements cannot substitute proven vaccination.