Measles is not often seen in the United States, but Americans are growing more concerned about the preventable virus as cases continue to rise in rural West Texas. Last week, an unvaccinated child died in the outbreak,

The good news is that existing vaccines also prevent this process. By blocking the virus from infecting the immune system in the first place, it also preserves immunity to other diseases. A single dose of vaccine is 93% effective at preventing measles, while two doses offer 97% protection.

Amid an alarming outbreak in Texas, Florida has apparently joined the fray, according to a number of media sources.

Kennedy has touted the benefits of an unconventional measles treatment including the steroid budesonide, the antibiotic clarithromycin and cod liver oil, which has high concentrations of vitamin A.

In an interview, the H.H.S. secretary claimed that unconventional treatments were helping patients but described vaccination as a personal choice.

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Vaccination provides long-lasting 97% protection against measles infection. Most people who have been vaccinated do not need to be vaccinated again.

As a measles outbreak in West Texas continues to grow, the response from US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has leaned heavily on treatment with vitamin A, as well as “good results” from the use of the steroid budesonide,

The measles outbreak in Texas has sparked debate over the use of vitamin A, with some health experts warning it may not be effective.

Measles symptoms resemble other common childhood illnesses, but occur all together. Early symptoms include a relentless cough, runny nose, and red, puffy eyes similar to conjunctivitis or pink eye.