In a shocking and alarming development that raises serious public health concerns, one of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s so-called extraordinary healers has contracted measles yet continued to treat patients in health facilities. This incident exemplifies a troubling trend of vaccine skepticism and the promotion of unproven medical treatments, particularly in light of recent outbreaks of measles across the United States.

RFK Jr., a well-known anti-vaccine advocate, has been actively campaigning against vaccines, which has contributed to the risk of the U.S. losing its measles elimination status. His recent activities included a visit to Texas to meet the family of a child who tragically died from measles. During this visit, he took the opportunity to publicize his agenda by sharing images on social media, where he praised two alternative medicine practitioners, describing them as extraordinary healers who purportedly healed hundreds of children infected with measles.

Among these practitioners is Dr. Ben Edwards, who, alongside Dr. Richard Bartlett, claims to have treated more than 300 Mennonite children using a controversial combination of aerosolized budesonide, a steroid, and clarithromycin, an antibiotic. However, Edwards has now found himself in the spotlight for a very different reason: he recently contracted measles himself and continued to work while infected.

The revelation of Edwards's infection was made public in a video shared by Childrens Health Defense (CHD), the anti-vaccine organization that RFK Jr. founded and led until his recent appointment as the U.S. Secretary of Health. In the video, which was posted on March 31, Edwards can be seen with distinct mild rashes on his face. When asked if he had caught measles, he confirmed, stating he felt pretty achy the previous day but had woken up feeling pretty good. This footage was initially reported by the Associated Press, drawing attention to Edwardss actions.

Edwardss claim that he only treated patients already infected with measles raises serious questions about public safety. In the video, he was seen interacting with groups of individuals who did not appear to be patients and without wearing a mask, which further exacerbates concerns regarding the transmission of the highly contagious disease.

His decision to enter a healthcare facility while infected poses considerable risks not only to patients but to the broader community as well. Measles is one of the most infectious diseases known, and the actions of individuals like Edwards contribute to the potential for outbreaks to extend and worsen.

Concern grows regarding the implications of Kennedy's support for such unproven medical practices, especially as he steps into a federal healthcare oversight role. His endorsement of Edwards and Bartlett, both of whom have faced scrutiny for their unconventional medical approaches, raises alarms about the future of public health policy.

To compound the issue, even though Edwards received the MMR vaccine during his childhood, he cannot recall whether it was the recommended two doses or just one. This uncertainty might explain his breakthrough infection, as the effectiveness of a single MMR dose is estimated to be around 93%.

Ultimately, while Edwards is expected to recover, the patients and staff at the health facility he visited may not share the same level of safety. As the situation unfolds, the discourse surrounding vaccines, alternative treatments, and public health guidelines continues to intensify.