On March 31, 2025, as shocking a video was released. It featured footage of Dr. Ben Edwards caring for children during a vaccine-preventable measles outbreak in Seminole, Texas. The footage, posted by Children’s Health Defense, showed Dr. Edwards with a visible measles rash on his face while operating a makeshift clinic. This outbreak has infected hundreds and contributed to three deaths so far, including two children.
Yet Dr. Edwards opened his clinic specifically to meet the pressing needs of the community. This shocking state of affairs has led to egregious health risks. He would have been infectious with measles for at least eight days—four days before and four days after his rash appeared. Public health officials have been sounding the alarm. Measles is the most contagious disease on Earth, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports.
In the course of that recorded video, Dr. Edwards did not wear a mask while treating patients. As mentioned above, it is said that during the entire period of the study he only interacted with children already infected with measles. However, even as he expanded access, experts were concerned with the way he did so, particularly how he used unproven treatments against the viral infection.
The outbreak in Texas has been particularly damaging, infecting several hundred Texans and leading to the tragic death of three individuals. Then Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. understood the writing on the wall. It all led him to make the appointment with Dr. Edwards on April 6, 2025. Following their meeting, Kennedy publicly praised Dr. Edwards as an “extraordinary” healer on X, highlighting his methods despite their lack of scientific validation.
“You have the HHS secretary lifting him up,” – Jessica Steier
Kennedy’s endorsement of Dr. Edwards led Dr. Paul Offit, one of America’s leading vaccine experts, to issue a strong condemnation. Yet, in a curious turn of events, he asserted that “he’s no longer the director of Children’s Health Defense. He’s responsible for the health and well-being of all the children in this country.” Offit was clear that this is a real emergency that Kennedy is failing to address.
Dr. Craig Spencer further criticized the handling of the outbreak, stating, “I think is unfortunately perfectly on-brand for how he thinks that medicine should be practiced.” He elaborated on the gravity of the situation, adding, “And that is what makes me remarkably uncomfortable and extremely concerned and scared for the next three-and-a-half years.”
The public’s reaction has been mixed, with many expressing outrage over Dr. Edwards’s actions and the subsequent praise from Kennedy. The convergence of unproven medical practices with high-profile endorsements raises ethical questions about public health policy and safety during outbreaks.
Healthcare professionals are still dealing the aftereffects of this outbreak and Dr. Edwards’ approach. At the same time, they’re more concerned than ever about the misinformation spreading around vaccines and treatments for preventable diseases like measles. The CDC has historically been a strong proponent of vaccination — the most effective method for preventing outbreaks.
