2025-07-15T11:39:00Z

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CLEVELAND — The United States is currently experiencing a significant rise in measles cases, reporting the highest numbers since the year 2000. This alarming trend is largely attributed to decreasing vaccination rates both domestically and globally, according to health experts.

In an insightful discussion with 3News’ Senior Health Correspondent, Monica Robins, Kristin Englund, an infectious disease specialist at the Cleveland Clinic, addressed the misinformation surrounding measles and its treatment.

“Measles is preventable, but it's not treatable,” Dr. Englund emphasized. “At present, we lack a specific medication to combat the virus. Like many viral infections, measles does not have a cure. There is misleading information circulating that suggests high doses of vitamin A can serve as a treatment. While vitamin A may assist in alleviating symptoms in children who are deficient in the vitamin, the reality is that most children in the U.S. consume a healthy diet, making them unlikely to be vitamin A deficient. Furthermore, administering excessive amounts of vitamin A can lead to severe health complications, including organ failure.”

Dr. Englund highlighted the grave nature of measles, indicating its potential dangers surpass those of other common childhood illnesses such as chickenpox. “While chickenpox is another vaccine-preventable disease, measles is significantly more contagious and carries a higher mortality rate,” she explained. “Every child’s death is a tragedy, but the fact that measles is a vaccine-preventable illness makes this situation even more heartbreaking.”

She urged parents to prioritize vaccinations for their children, stressing the importance of maintaining herd immunity to protect not only individual health but also community well-being.