What We Know About Measles Deaths In Pennsylvania As RFK Jr. Cries Foul
The CDC has excluded two measles-associated deaths from its official count despite an announcement from Governor Shapiro on Friday. These fatalities, involving a child and a newborn, occurred during an outbreak in Pennsylvania that represents the first measles-related deaths in the state in over 30 years. While the CDC manages national totals, state health departments typically determine specific cases and deaths. The discrepancy has fueled a public clash between Governor Shapiro and Health Secretary RFK Jr. regarding the official reporting of the outbreak.
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- ✓ Governor Shapiro announced two measles-associated deaths in Pennsylvania on Friday.
- ✓ The CDC did not include these two Pennsylvania deaths in its latest official count.
- ✓ Governor Shapiro and Health Secretary RFK Jr. clashed over the state's announcement of the first measles-related deaths in more than 30 years.
- ✓ The U.S. has seen a record number of measles cases and outbreaks in 2026.
What changed
The CDC has omitted two Pennsylvania measles deaths from its official tally after Governor Shapiro announced them.
Live updates
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CDC Omits Pennsylvania Measles Deaths Reported by Governor Shapiro
The CDC has excluded two measles-associated deaths from its official count despite an announcement from Governor Shapiro on Friday. These fatalities, involving a child and a newborn, occurred during an outbreak in Pennsylvania that represents the first measles-related deaths in the state in over 30 years. While the CDC manages national totals, state health departments typically determine specific cases and deaths. The discrepancy has fueled a public clash between Governor Shapiro and Health Secretary RFK Jr. regarding the official reporting of the outbreak.
Why it matters
Measles cases have reached record levels across the United States in 2026, primarily affecting unvaccinated individuals. The current Pennsylvania outbreak has intensified national debates over vaccine policy and the accuracy of public health data.
What is confirmed
- Governor Shapiro announced two measles-associated deaths in Pennsylvania on Friday.
- The CDC did not include these two Pennsylvania deaths in its latest official count.
- Governor Shapiro and Health Secretary RFK Jr. clashed over the state's announcement of the first measles-related deaths in more than 30 years.
- The U.S. has seen a record number of measles cases and outbreaks in 2026.
Still unconfirmed
- The two deceased individuals were a newborn and a child.
- The CDC previously reported and then deleted the two measles deaths questioned by RFK Jr.
What to watch next
- Official clarification from the CDC on why the deaths were excluded
- Updated infection and death tolls from the Pennsylvania Department of Health
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.nbcphiladelphia.com — CDC leaves out 2 Pa. measles-associated deaths in latest official count
- www.usatoday.com — PA measles cases near 500. See infection totals in Pittsburgh, Western PA
- arstechnica.com — A newborn and child reportedly died of measles; CDC isn’t counting them
- www.aol.com — Maps and charts show record number of measles cases in U.S. this year
- www.inquirer.com — What do we know about the deaths reported in Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak?
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Pennsylvania Measles Outbreak: 2 Unvaccinated Deaths Reported
A measles outbreak in Pennsylvania's Amish Country has resulted in two unvaccinated deaths, according to officials. The outbreak has raised concerns about vaccination rates and public health response. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has questioned the official account of the deaths. The incident has sparked debate about vaccine policy and public health measures.
Why it matters
The measles outbreak in Pennsylvania highlights ongoing concerns about vaccination rates and public health response in the state. In 1991, a measles outbreak in Pennsylvania resulted in nine child deaths, leading to changes in public health policy. The current outbreak has raised questions about the effectiveness of current public health measures. The Amish community has been affected due to low vaccination rates.
What is confirmed
- Two unvaccinated people died from measles in Pennsylvania.
- A baby with measles in Pennsylvania died of a ruptured spleen.
- The measles outbreak is occurring in Pennsylvania's Amish Country.
Still unconfirmed
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has questioned the official account of the deaths.
What to watch next
- Further investigation into the circumstances of the deaths
- Public health response and vaccination efforts in the affected area
- Potential changes to vaccine policy or public health measures
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (8)
- Forbes — What We Know About Measles Deaths In Pennsylvania As RFK Jr. Cries Foul
- CNN — As a measles outbreak escalates in Pennsylvania’s Amish Country, exposures rattle people at risk
- NBC News — Coroner says baby with measles in Pennsylvania died of a ruptured spleen
- The New York Times — Two Unvaccinated People Died From Measles in Pennsylvania, Officials Say
- LancasterOnline — Lancaster County Commissioner Alice Yoder recalls different public response to measles outbreak in 1991
- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette — How did nine children die in a 1991 Pennsylvania measles outbreak?
- www.theatlantic.com — The Family at the Center of Pennsylvania’s Measles Controversy
- www.jezebel.com — So Hey, the Government Didn’t Update Its Measles Data This Week?
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