Edzard Ernst blames rise in measles on increased popularity of complementary and alternative therapies

The rising popularity of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is an undeniable contributing factor in the UK’s loss of its measles-free status,1 says Edzard Ernst, professor and researcher of complementary medicine.

He spoke about CAM’s rising popularity at the launch of his new book on a critical assessment of 150 CAM modalities, held in London on 20 August.

“The real danger of CAM is not direct harm, but rather the indirect harm it causes,” said Ernst, emeritus professor of complementary medicine at the University of Exeter.

He referred to a study in JAMA Oncology, which showed …