Measles outbreak and malnourishment linked? Robert Kennedy Jr reveals how it can increase the risk

As measles cases continue to rise in Texas and New Mexico, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., director of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has linked the epidemic to malnutrition. The outbreak of measles reportedly began in Gaines County, Texas in late January 2025. Media reports have shown that over 250 measles have appeared in Texas and New Mexico. In a recent statement, Kennedy JR said there is a close relationship between nutrition and illness that most affect children. He also suggests that cod liver oil and antibiotics may help treat people with measles.

Measles outbreak in the United States: What did Robert F. Kennedy Jr. say?

In a new interview, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. reportedly said that if a person is healthy, “it’s almost impossible to be killed by an infectious disease.” He says that modern times are nutritious and people can access medicine. He said malnutrition could play a role in the outbreak of measles in Texas. “The doctors and community leaders I talk to on earth report that people who are sick are (malnourished).

He said the best thing you can do to keep people sick is to keep themselves healthy. “It’s extremely difficult to kill someone with healthy and nourishing measles,” reported Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Measles outbreak and malnutrition: Are there any links?

Yes, there is a strong link between malnutrition and measles. “A lack of essential nutrients weakens the immune system, which makes the body more vulnerable to health problems like measles viruses that belong to the paramyxovirus family,” says Dr. Saima Shabnam, an emergency and critical care specialist. According to the World Health Organization, malnourished or children with weak immune systems are at the highest risk of death from measles. In a study published in the 2022 American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, malnutrition was found to be a key contributor to death in 44.8% of childhood deaths caused by measles.

“Unmalnutrition, particularly vitamin A deficiency, makes children more vulnerable to severe measles infections,” says pediatrician Dr. Rabishankara Malpali. Vitamin deficiency, especially A, can lead to people who develop pneumonia from measles. “They may also suffer from diarrhea, blindness and swelling in the brain from contagious diseases,” says Dr. Malparri.

Measles outbreak: Healthy people should not be affected by it?

It is important to know that even healthy people can be affected during measles outbreaks. “If you’re not vaccinated or have not developed an immune system, a healthy person can still sign up,” says Dr. Shabnam. However, in healthy people with nourished feeding, they are usually mild to moderate. “The highest risk remains in immunocompromised individuals, such as unvaccinated children and adults, pregnant women, and those with cancer,” says Dr. Malparri.

Measles outbreak: Are there any side effects from the vaccine?

As the outbreak of measles has sparked concerns around the world, there is a focus on vaccinations. Here are some side effects of vaccines you should know:

• There may be mild reactions such as fever, rash, or pain in the place where you were injected. “These are common experiences by people who shot measles,” says Dr. Shabnam.
• In rare cases, more serious side effects, including seizures, can be experienced.

However, there is no reliable evidence that linked the vaccine to widespread harm in children and adults. “The risks associated with measles themselves are much greater than the risk poses from the jab,” says Dr. Shabnam.

Measles outbreak: Do antibiotics and cod liver oil help to treat it?

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. reportedly suggested an unconventional relief amid the outbreak of measles. According to media reports, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said doctors are seeing “very, very good results” when treating the illness with cod liver oil, budesonide (steroids) and clarithromycin (antibiotics).

• Budesonide“Steroids are used to treat asthma and respiratory conditions,” says Dr. Malparri. There is no strong evidence to suggest that it can be useful for symptoms of measles such as high fever, cough, runny nose, and red rash.
• Clarithromycin: Antibiotics containing clarithromycin do not target the measles virus. “It can only be used in cases of secondary bacterial infections, such as pneumonia,” says Dr. Malparri.
• Cod liver oil: Contains vitamin A, which is beneficial for people with measles. Recovering low vitamin A levels can help prevent eye damage and blindness, and can reduce the number of measles deaths, according to the World Health Organization.

How to treat measles?

Within the outbreak of measles, there is no specific antiviral treatment, so the disease is managed through supportive care.

• You need to know that hydration is important to prevent dehydration during measles outbreaks.
• “As part of measles treatment, medications like paracetamol may help reduce fever,” says Dr. Shabnam.
• Vitamin A supplement is required as it may reduce the severity of symptoms.
• If a secondary bacterial infection occurs, antibiotics may be prescribed by a doctor.
• Hospitalization is required if you experience severe complications such as pneumonia.

As concerns about the outbreak of measles grow, people who are malnourished know that they may be at a higher risk of measles death. However, even people with strong nutrition, especially those who have not been vaccinated, can be affected.