Navigating Measles Treatment in 2025: A Review on Vaccines, Medications, and Supplements.

2025-11-17
Pediatric allergy, immunology, and pulmonology 38(4)
- Misty M Oldham
- Sandra Benavides
- Paul M Boylan

PubMed: 41248922
DOI: 10.1177/2151321x251397927

Study Design

Type: Review

Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable infectious disease. The incidence of measles has been rising due to a confluence of factors, including international travel and vaccine hesitancy. The purpose of this Pharmacotherapy Update was to examine and appraise preventive measures and treatment options, both pharmacotherapy and supplements, used in measles management. Topics included ribavirin, measles-mumps-rubella vaccine post-exposure prophylaxis, immune globulin, antibiotics, vitamin A, and cod liver oil supplements. Parents, caregivers, and policymakers considering these interventions are recommended to consult with health care providers and seek guidance from professional organizations regarding the effectiveness and safety of these treatments. Vaccination with the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine remains the most effective intervention to prevent measles, and efforts are urgently needed to achieve the requisite 95% vaccination rate to improve public health, confer herd immunity, and eradicate measles.

Research Insights

Cod Liver Oil→Reduced Measles Mortality
Topics included ... vitamin A ... cod liver oil supplements.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Vitamin A→Reduced Measles Mortality
Topics included ... vitamin A ... cod liver oil supplements.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate

Adverse Events Reported

Vitamin A→Overall tolerability
Topics included ... vitamin A, and cod liver oil supplements.
Finding
Reported