A Texas physician treating children during a measles outbreak has sparked controversy after appearing in a video wiht a visible measles rash. This occurred a week before Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. publicly commended him as an remarkable healer.

The Video and Its Implications

Dr. Ben Edwards was featured in a video posted March 31 by Children’s Health Defense, an association Kennedy previously led. The video shows Edwards in scrubs at a makeshift clinic in Seminole, Texas, the epicenter of a measles outbreak that has affected hundreds and resulted in three deaths, including two children.

In the video, Edwards confirms he has measles, stating that his infection began the day before the recording. Yesterday was pretty achy. Little mild fever. Spots came in the afternoon.Today, I woke up feeling good, Edwards said.

Public Health Concerns

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies measles as one of the world’s moast contagious diseases. Health experts have criticized Edwards’ decision to work in the clinic while contagious, citing the risk of spreading the disease to others. They argue that his actions were irresponsible and endangered the community.

Kennedy’s Involvement and Endorsement

Approximately a week after the video surfaced, Kennedy met with Edwards. On April 6, Kennedy posted on X, praising Edwards and another doctor as two extraordinary healers and highlighting thier use of unproven measles treatments.

Dr. Craig Spencer, a professor at the Brown University School of Public Health, described Kennedy’s endorsement as sadly perfectly on-brand for how he thinks that medicine should be practiced. Spencer added, And that is what makes me remarkably uncomfortable and extremely concerned and scared for the next three-and-a-half years.

Response and Justification

Kennedy’s spokesperson stated that he is not anti-vaccine and is committed to improving children’s health in America and has re-deployed resources to Texas to help with the current outbreak. Though, the spokesperson did not explain why Kennedy chose to meet with and praise Edwards specifically.

Edwards defended his actions,stating in an email to The Associated Press that he interacted with zero patients that were not already infected with measles during his infectious period. He added, Therefore, obviously, there were no patients that were put in danger of acquiring measles since they already had measles.

Counterarguments and expert Opinions

Public health scientist Jessica Steier disputed Edwards’ claim, noting that the video shows individuals who do not appear sick, including parents and visitors from Children’s Health Defense. She questioned the methods Edwards used to confirm measles diagnoses.

Steier, who co-wrote an article about Edwards’ conduct, emphasized that there was no shortage of uninfected providers available. She also pointed out that Edwards was not wearing a mask in the video. You have the HHS secretary lifting him up, Steier said. You know,it’s so,so perilous. I really feel for the people who are on the ground.

Broader Implications and Criticisms

Dr. Paul Offit, a pediatrician at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, criticized Kennedy’s promotion of Edwards as wholly irresponsible, aligning with Kennedy’s history of anti-vaccine views.Offit stated, He’s not the director of Children’s Health Defense anymore. he’s responsible for the health and well-being of children in this country. It’s an emergency, but Kennedy is not treating it that way.

• Ensure high vaccination rates.
• Isolate infected individuals.
• Promote good hygiene practices.
• Provide accurate data about measles and vaccination.