Measles news
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The gist
Pennsylvania reported first measles deaths in 35 years, including an infant. CDC removed them from national tally amid political dispute over cause.
Background
The U.S. is experiencing its worst measles outbreak in 35 years, with nearly 2,800 cases confirmed this year. Pennsylvania has recorded 460 cases, and state officials announced two deaths, including an infant, which they classified as measles-associated. However, the CDC, under new director Dr. Erica Schwartz, removed these deaths from the national tally, stating that available information does not establish whether measles caused or contributed to the deaths. This has sparked a political controversy involving Governor Josh Shapiro and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who suggested the deaths may have been fabricated.
How it unfolded
- Aug 25, 2026Pennsylvania Department of Health announced two measles-associated deaths in Lancaster County, the state's first in 35 years.
- Aug 28, 2026CDC posted a note delaying its weekly update, keeping the national measles death count at zero.
- Aug 30, 2026CDC's measles landing page was updated twice, first reporting the two deaths then replacing them with an asterisk.
- Sep 1, 2026CDC director instructed staff to exclude the two Pennsylvania deaths from the national tally, citing insufficient evidence that measles caused them.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Pennsylvania officials maintain the deaths were measles-associated and preventable, urging vaccination.
- Official
- CDC states available information does not establish measles as the cause of the deaths, leading to their exclusion from the national count.
- Public
- HHS Secretary Kennedy claimed on social media that the deaths 'may even have been altogether fabricated' by Governor Shapiro's office.
- Expert
- Health experts criticize the CDC's move as politically motivated and not focused on outbreak response.
Still unverified
The Lancaster County coroner is investigating the death of a child with measles, but it is unclear if this is one of the two reported deaths or an additional case. The coroner has not certified any measles deaths, citing the need to determine the cause of a laceration.