What happened to the Timmons family during the measles outbreak?

Five members of the Timmons family were hospitalized with severe measles symptoms, including four unvaccinated children.

Who is Dr. Ben Edwards and how did he treat measles?

Dr. Ben Edwards is a vaccine skeptic who treated hundreds of measles patients with cod liver oil and vitamin A.

Will the US lose its measles elimination status?

The US risks losing its measles elimination status if the current outbreak continues, with nearly 2,000 cases reported this year.

Home / Health / Measles Family's 'Hard Way' to Immunity

Measles Family's 'Hard Way' to Immunity

23 Dec

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Summary

Measles outbreak led to hospitalization of five family members.
Vaccine skeptic doctor treated hundreds with natural remedies.
US risks losing measles elimination status after 25 years.

A family in West Texas has fully recovered from a severe measles outbreak that saw five members hospitalized last spring, including four unvaccinated children. The family, now known as the "Measles Family," chose to let their children develop natural immunity, a decision reflecting a growing trend of vaccine exemptions.

This outbreak and others nationwide have placed the United States at risk of losing its measles elimination status, a title held for 25 years. As of late 2025, nearly 2,000 cases and three deaths have been reported, with over 90% impacting unvaccinated individuals. This surge coincides with a drop in vaccination rates among young children in Texas.

Amidst the ongoing crisis, Dr. Ben Edwards, a prominent vaccine skeptic, has been recognized by an anti-vaccine group for treating hundreds of measles patients with natural remedies. His approach and the Timmons family's experience underscore the complex and contentious debate surrounding vaccination and public health.