Measles

It seems like every year the news is spreading fear over measles outbreaks. The following information from an anonymous Kansas pediatrician will help put your fears to rest and give you the information you need to make an empowered decision regarding your child’s health.

 
 

Measles cases occur in the United States every year. About 0.01% of cases are fatal. This year's cases (2025) are similar to previous years. To see recent cases and official US recommendations for vaccinations, visit this page on the CDC website.

To learn other evidence-supported views about measles and the risks and benefits of the Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) vaccine, check out Physicians for Informed Consent and “The MMR Vaccine” handout from KSHF.

Some research shows that maintaining healthy nutrition, especially Vitamin A, is associated with a lower risk of developing severe measles and other illnesses.

For measles infection, two days of treatment using the following dose of Vitamin A is recommended (from UpToDate):

  • 0-6 months: 50,000 IU (15,000mcg) per day

  • 6-11 months: 100,000IU (30,000mcg) per day

  • Children 12 months and older: 200,000IU (60,000mcg) per day.

Routine Vitamin A intake recommended by NIH is:

  • Birth to 6 months 400 mcg

  • 7–12 months 500 mcg

  • 1–3 years 300 mcg

  • 4–8 years 400 mcg 

  • 9–13 years 600 mcg 

  • 14+ years 900 mcg

One of the best food sources of Vitamin A is grass-fed beef liver. For those unable to swallow capsules, the capsules can be opened and mixed with food or drink.

  • 0-5 years: 1 capsule

  • 6-10 years: 2 capsules

  • 10-15 years: 3 capsules

  • 16+ years: 4 capsules

Pregnancy and Lactation: mother may take 4-8 beef liver capsules if approved by her physician

Other key supplements for immune function are cod liver oil (or other omega 3 fatty acids) and Vitamin D

  • Cod liver oil:

    • 1/2 teaspoon for infants

    • 1 teaspoon for age 1+

  • Vitamin D:

    • 0-1 years: 500 IU

    • 1-5 years: 1000IU

    • 6-10 years: 2000IU

    • 10-15 years: 3000IU

    • 16+ years: 4000IU

More detailed information about measles from a naturopathic doctor, Dr. Ashley, is available here.

The symptoms of measles include fever, dry cough, sore throat, inflamed eyes, runny nose, bluish dots inside cheeks, and, finally, a rash spreading from the face to the entire body.
If you think you or your child may have measles, please isolate at home and make a telemedicine call with your doctor.

KANSANS FOR HEALTH FREEDOM, INC. provides information on this site for general informational purposes only and the information is not intended to be and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Anyone relying upon this information is advised to use their own judgment including consultation with their own physician, attorney, or other professionals before taking action based upon any information contained on this website.