The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has removed two measles-associated deaths from Pennsylvania from the federal government’s official national count, according to multiple US media reports citing current and former officials. The removal came following direction from CDC Director Erica Schwartz, who was sworn in in August. The agency initially included the two cases on its website tracking measles deaths but subsequently removed them, posting a statement indicating it was reviewing additional information about the cases.
The CDC stated that available information did not establish whether measles caused or contributed to the deaths or whether the individuals died from other causes while infected with the virus. Pennsylvania’s Department of Health had announced on August 25 that two unvaccinated Lancaster County residents had died in cases classified as measles-associated, marking the state’s first such deaths in 35 years. Pennsylvania Health Secretary Debra Bogen released a statement expressing condolences and reaffirming that the MMR vaccine is safe and effective.
The CDC’s decision followed public comments from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, who previously expressed skepticism about vaccines before his appointment. Kennedy questioned Pennsylvania’s announcement on social media and suggested the cases may have been fabricated. During a Fox News appearance, Kennedy stated his intention to redirect resources away from infectious disease and toward chronic disease prevention.
The disagreement has prompted concern that the Trump administration may increasingly challenge state health determinations. Pennsylvania has disputed the federal characterization, stating that the deaths were properly reported to the CDC’s measles response team and that state epidemiologists conducted thorough investigations. The clash occurs as the nation experiences its highest measles case count in 35 years and amid broader criticism of the current administration’s health policies, including an executive order to modify childhood immunization recommendations and separate the MMR vaccine into individual doses.
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