Measles death confirmed after RFK Jr. dispute
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The gist
A six-week-old Lancaster baby died from measles, coroner confirmed Friday.
The dispute over two infant deaths tests federal health leadership amid a record outbreak.
Background
Pennsylvania is experiencing its largest measles outbreak in three decades, with over 460 cases and 83 hospitalizations as of early September 2026. The state reported two infant deaths in late August, which Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. publicly questioned as possibly 'fabricated' by Governor Josh Shapiro's administration. The CDC, under new director Erica Schwartz, initially removed the deaths from its public database, but a coroner's confirmation has now verified at least one death as measles-related.
How it unfolded
- Aug 25, 2026Pennsylvania's Department of Health confirms two measles-associated deaths in Lancaster County, both unvaccinated infants.
- Aug 31, 2026CDC's weekly update omits the two Pennsylvania deaths; reports say new CDC director Erica Schwartz ordered the removal after RFK Jr. questioned them.
- Sep 1, 2026RFK Jr. publicly suggests on X that the deaths may have been 'fabricated' by the Shapiro administration; Pennsylvania officials deny this.
- Sep 4, 2026Lancaster County Coroner Stephen Diamantoni confirms a six-week-old baby girl died from measles on August 18, contradicting earlier doubts.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Pennsylvania health officials maintain the deaths were measles-associated and are cooperating with CDC, while RFK Jr. and CDC say they are reviewing the circumstances.
- Expert
- Dr. Paul Offit of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia says the state's case count is 'almost certainly an undercount' and cases will rise.
- Public
- Pennsylvania doctors blasted the administration, with one saying 'I've lost trust in the CDC' over the handling of the deaths.
Still unverified
The coroner initially said he did not believe measles caused the death, citing a ruptured spleen possibly from trauma, but later confirmed measles as the cause; the second infant's death remains under investigation.