DCCC - Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee

09/28/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/28/2021 14:25

Health Hazard Herrell’s COVID Conspiracy Theories Endanger New Mexican Lives

Rep. Yvette Herrell continues to push for the horse dewormer ivermectin to treat COVID despite FDA warnings against its usage

This week, The Hill reported two deaths in New Mexico linked to the misuse of ivermectin, a medication meant for horse deworming. This comes as 12 other New Mexicans were hospitalized after taking ivermectin.

In addition to promoting the use of hydroxychloroquine, New Mexico Representative Yvette Herrell has encouraged the use of ivermectin as a cure for COVID-19. The FDA, CDC, and New Mexico's own Health Secretary have warned the public against using the horse deworming medication to treat viruses.

Read more in The Hill: New Mexico reports two deaths from ivermectin :

  • New Mexico reported the two deaths on Wednesday, according to the state health department. They were among the 14 patients in the state hospitalized after being poisoned by the use of ivermectin, which has been promoted by both podcast host Joe Rogan and Alex Jones, the conspiracy theorist.

  • While the FDA has approved the use of ivermectin in specified doses for humans suffering from intestinal parasites such as worms, it isn't intended or used to treat viruses.

    …

  • "The FDA has received multiple reports of patients who have required medical support and been hospitalized after self-medicating with ivermectin intended for horses," the FDA said, adding, "Animal drugs are often highly concentrated because they are used for large animals like horses and cows, which can weigh a lot more than we do-a ton or more. Such high doses can be highly toxic in humans."

  • According to a report by The New York Times, the American Association of Poison Control Centers has reported 1,440 cases of ivermectin poisoning for the year as of Sept. 20, more than triple the number in 2019 and 2020.

"Rep. Yvette Herrell's pandemic-prolonging lies are not only disqualifying, they're a health hazard," said DCCC spokesperson Adrian Eng-Gastelum. "New Mexicans deserve a leader who will tell the truth and put the public's well-being above the conspiracy theories of the QAnon Caucus."

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