In a surprising move, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not included two measles‑related deaths reported by Pennsylvania in its official death count. The agency says it lacks sufficient information to confirm whether measles caused or contributed to the fatalities.
State officials demand inclusion
Pennsylvania health officials say they thoroughly investigated both cases before announcing them. “Every reported measles case is carefully reviewed to meet the CDC’s case definition,” said Neil Ruhland, press secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Health. “The Department of Health has provided all required epidemiological data to the CDC regarding the two measles‑associated deaths.”
CDC cites uncertainty
The CDC delayed its weekly measles update and, when finally posted, marked the 2026 death total with an asterisk and a footnote explaining the omission. “Available information does not establish whether measles caused or contributed to the deaths or whether the individuals died from other causes while infected with measles,” the agency wrote.
HHS secretary pushes back
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. directed a request for comment to the CDC, and a spokesperson for the department, Grace Davis Jamison, emphasized the agency’s duty to report accurately. “The information currently posted reflects the best available information and our commitment to transparency and telling the American people the truth – a foundational principle of the Trump Administration,” she said.
CDC leadership under scrutiny
The decision to exclude the deaths was made by CDC Director Dr. Erica Schwartz, according to two sources. Former CDC officials described the action as highly unusual. Dr. Nirav Shah, the agency’s former principal deputy director, called it “the definition of the politicization of public health.” Dr. Deb Houry, the former chief medical officer, noted that a measles‑associated death in New Mexico was counted even while under investigation, highlighting a departure from standard protocol.
Political overtones
Critics argue the dispute reflects broader tensions between the HHS secretary, a known anti‑vaccine advocate, and state health officials. Kennedy has previously suggested the Pennsylvania deaths could be “altogether fabricated,” a claim the Lancaster County coroner, Dr. Stephen Diamantoni, has not substantiated. The coroner is investigating an infant death linked to a ruptured spleen and evidence of measles virus in lung tissue.
Implications for public‑health reporting
Public‑health experts warn that premature challenges to state reporting could turn routine scientific verification into a manufactured controversy, potentially undermining trust in disease surveillance. As the CDC reviews additional information, the national measles death count remains pending, leaving Pennsylvania families and officials awaiting a definitive resolution.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
