Voices: Worried about measles misinformation? As medical professionals, here’s our advice.

When things are complicated, humans naturally try to simplify. We take a messy, tangled ball of complexity and attempt to sort it out. But sometimes, our efforts only make things worse — especially when too many hands are pulling in different directions with different strategies, or when people try to fix the problem without fully understanding it in the first place.

This is exactly what’s happening with health care in Utah and across the United States. Health care is complicated. Health is complicated. Even the concept of care is complicated. And right now, we’re trying to fix a tangled mess by pulling on every loose thread at once.

The result? An even bigger mess.

In the past, we had leaders and institutions we trusted to guide us through this complexity. Experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), all under the guidance of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), spent decades studying the system and developing evidence-based approaches to improving health.

Today, those same agencies are led by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.). Unfortunately, RFK Jr. has a long and public history of rejecting science and promoting misinformation. His leadership threatens to unravel decades of progress in medicine and public health.

Consider the measles outbreak spreading across parts of the United States, including the recent case confirmed in Utah.

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in human history. While many recover within a few weeks, complications like brain and lung infections can be life-threatening. The death rate of measles is approximately 1 per 1,000 people in the U.S. There is no effective treatment for measles — but there is a highly effective (among the highest of all vaccines in routine use) vaccine that has dramatically reduced its spread since its development in 1963.

In response to the outbreak, RFK Jr. posted on X claiming that two doctors in Texas “treated and healed 300 measles-stricken Mennonite children using aerosolized budesonide and clarithromycin.” At first glance, it may seem hopeful — but the claim demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of the disease.

Measles is a viral infection. Budesonide is a steroid used to suppress inflammation, and clarithromycin is an antibiotic, which targets bacteria. These medications are not only ineffective against measles — they’re not recommended or supported by any current medical guidelines. Spreading misinformation like this not only confuses the public, but it actively endangers lives.

This wasn’t an isolated mistake. RFK Jr. has repeatedly shared views that are out of step with science — most notably his long-debunked claims linking vaccines to autism. His comments reflect a pattern of disregarding evidence and expertise, all while claiming authority in a field he has no formal experience in.

So where does that leave us?

We live in a time in which wellness influencers with uncertain backgrounds are often seen as health authorities. Artificial intelligence is asked biased questions and gives biased answers. We have unlimited access to information — but limited tools to judge its credibility.

In this tangled environment, the responsibility falls on us as individuals to approach information with care. Here are a few strategies that can help you navigate the noise:

Know that the source information is only as credible as the person sharing it.

If someone calls themselves a “doctor,” dig deeper. Are they a physician? A chiropractor? A Ph.D. in literature? Expertise matters, especially in health care.

Trust, but verify.

If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Before accepting a claim, look for supporting evidence from multiple, independent and reputable sources. If a story is only being told in one place — or framed as “exclusive” — consider it a red flag.

Dig deeper.

Headlines and social media posts are designed to grab attention first, rather than inform. Most complex issues, especially in health and policy, can’t be accurately summarized in 280 characters or in a 60-second video. Always read beyond the headline, and if you have questions or something doesn’t seem right, look further. If you can’t find the answer to your questions, reach out to verified experts.

We are all responsible for helping untangle this messy system — carefully, thoughtfully and with intention. You don’t need to be an expert to make a difference. You just need to stay curious, stay skeptical and seek out the truth.

Because in a world where misinformation spreads quickly, informed individuals are our best defense.

Sarah Atwill Petelinsek is a current medical student at the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah. In addition to pursuing her Medical Doctorate (MD) degree, she also is working towards graduate certificates in population health sciences and global health. She serves as the co-president of Students for Advocacy in Medicine, and is an award winning member of the Utah Medical Association. She also works as a research associate for the Population Health Science Department.

David Chaulk, MD, MPH, is Canadian board-certified in pediatrics and pediatric emergency medicine (FRCPC) and is a practicing pediatric emergency physician in Utah. He has a Master of Public Health degree in health policy and management from the University of California, Berkeley, certified in health care economics from Harvard, is a Certified Physician Executive (CPE) and Certified in Medical Quality (CMQ). Dr. Chaulk is a health care executive in addition to his clinical work.

This article represents the personal views of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official stance of the University of Utah or any entities it may be affiliated with.

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