A social media influencer has come under fire for promoting chlorine dioxide (CD) as a false "cure" for autism, following numerous health warnings and reports of severe health issues among children who have been subjected to this hazardous treatment. Kerri Rivera, who boasts over 17,000 followers on Instagram, encourages parents to administer CD, a chemical compound typically used as an industrial bleach, to their autistic children. Experts have condemned her actions as "sickening," stating that such misinformation poses a serious threat to the health and well-being of autistic individuals and their families.
Messages from Rivera's private support group indicate alarming responses from parents. One individual reported her daughter experienced vomiting and a strong ammonia smell in her urine, which Rivera misleadingly interpreted as a sign of "detoxification" from supposed parasites. “I imagine these are the parasites dying and leaving behind their toxins,” the parent wrote, reflecting the misinformation propagated by Rivera, who falsely claims autism is caused by "parasites" and "worms." This narrative, however, contradicts established scientific understanding, which asserts that autism is a lifelong neurological condition with no known cure.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued stark warnings against the ingestion of chlorine dioxide, citing potential side effects that include gastrointestinal pain, vomiting blood, and even life-threatening conditions such as hypovolemic shock. In children, the risks are even more pronounced, with potential for bowel damage and long-term health complications. Despite these documented dangers, Rivera continues to promote her so-called "protocol" on social media, providing guidelines on how to manage adverse symptoms following administration of the treatment.
Tim Nicholls, Assistant Director of Policy, Research and Strategy at the National Autistic Society, emphasised the critical importance of public safety. "It is sickening that this so-called ‘protocol guide’ for parents claims to treat or cure autism," he said. He stressed that no autistic individual should be exposed to potentially life-threatening chemicals under the guise of a "treatment.” The National Autistic Society has urged individuals to report any claims regarding treatments for autism that do not have scientific backing to relevant authorities, including the Food Standards Agency.
Moreover, a Change.org petition demanding governmental action against unregulated autism treatments has garnered significant attention, attracting over 30,000 signatures. Advocates argue that stringent legislation is necessary to protect the autistic community from false claims and dangerous products associated with figures like Rivera.
In a previous agreement with the Illinois Attorney General's office, Rivera was prohibited from promoting the controversial “Miracle Mineral Solution” (MMS) within the state, following widespread condemnation from medical professionals regarding its safety and efficacy. Regulatory bodies have continually highlighted the need for oversight in the promotion of purported cures, underscoring the public health implications of such misinformation.
In recent efforts to combat the spread of false cures, concerned parents have taken matters into their own hands by infiltrating private social media groups that advocate for dangerous treatments. Their undercover work has spotlighted the ongoing misinformation regarding chlorine dioxide and similar compounds.
As awareness of the risks associated with unproven treatments like CD spreads, the call for vigilance and reliance on credible sources of information becomes ever more critical. It serves as a reminder that the safety of vulnerable communities must take precedence over unverified and potentially lethal claims.
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Source: Noah Wire Services