A Controversial Health Crisis Unfolds

In a startling development, a controversial doctor in West Texas has contracted measles while administering unproven treatments to unvaccinated children amidst a growing outbreak. Instead of taking sick leave, Dr. Ben Edwards continued to see patients despite showing visible symptoms of the highly contagious virus.

Caught on Camera: The Doctor's Admission

This shocking revelation came from a video posted online by Children's Health Defense (CHD), an organization known for its staunch anti-vaccine stance, previously led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The video shows Edwards, with noticeable spots on his face, confirming he has measles and describing his symptoms. Despite feeling "pretty good" that day, health experts warn that he posed a risk to anyone without immunity.

Measles: A Highly Contagious Virus

According to the CDC, measles is one of the most infectious diseases, and an infected person can spread the virus from four days before the rash appears until four days after. The virus lingers in the air for up to two hours, meaning that even non-infected individuals can be at risk, especially in crowded spaces.

Defending His Actions: 'No Risk' Claims

In response to concerns, Edwards claimed he had not interacted with any patients who weren’t already infected with measles at the time he was contagious. However, his presence in a clinic with healthy individuals raised eyebrows, especially since he wasn’t wearing a mask.

A Surge of Unvaccinated Cases

Edwards has gained notoriety among the significantly unvaccinated population in Gaines County, Texas, which is currently experiencing a measles outbreak that began in late January. His clinic offers dubious treatments like cod liver oil and other unverified remedies, much to the delight of anti-vaccine advocates.

Endorsements from Anti-Vaccine Figures

Kennedy, known for his anti-vaccine rhetoric, praised Edwards and another doctor in the area, Richard Bartlett, calling them "extraordinary healers" despite concerns over their questionable methods. Hesitation regarding traditional vaccines has fueled the outbreak that has recently claimed lives.

Tragic Consequences: A Family's Heartbreaking Tale

In a chilling twist, the video revealed that among the children treated were the surviving siblings of a 6-year-old girl who tragically died from measles. Her parents, expressing regret over their decision to skip vaccinations, even claimed that had they sought Edwards's help sooner, their daughter might have survived.

Misinformation on Vaccinations Persists

During the video, Edwards and the parents spread dangerous misinformation regarding the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, which they falsely deemed unsafe. Edwards himself, after admitting he had received the MMR vaccine as a child, suggested it was ineffective. Ironically, cases of measles have surged predominantly among those who are unvaccinated.

The Data Speaks: Vaccination Effectiveness

Recent statistics reveal that the vast majority of the 597 measles cases reported in Texas are among unvaccinated children. Those who were vaccinated experienced milder cases. For context, a single dose of the MMR vaccine is 93% effective against measles, and two doses increase effectiveness to 97%.

Edwards Defends His Practices

As the video drew attention to Edwards’s practices, he insisted he was merely doing what any conscientious doctor would do. However, with such severe repercussions in the community, many are left questioning the ethics of his actions and the information he disseminates.