Archive · 31 Aug 2026
CDC Questions Pennsylvania Measles Deaths Amid Federal-State Dispute
Pennsylvania reported that two people died in connection with measles.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. questioned whether measles caused those deaths.
The CDC also said it had questions and was checking the facts.
Pennsylvania health officials said they investigated the deaths and shared information with the CDC.
They also said it is wrong to claim they refused help.
Governor Josh Shapiro and Kennedy are arguing about vaccine rates and responsibility for the outbreak.
Pennsylvania has reported hundreds of measles cases, while thousands have been reported across the country.
The CDC delayed updating its usual national measles dashboard.
The CDC questioned Pennsylvania’s reporting of two measles-related deaths and said it is investigating what occurred.
Pennsylvania officials said they confirmed both deaths and rejected claims that the state withheld outbreak information or declined assistance.
The dispute involves CDC officials, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Governor Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania health authorities.
Pennsylvania has reported 424 measles cases, 73 hospitalizations and two deaths as of Aug. 26.
The CDC confirmed 2,777 US measles infections through Aug. 20, the highest annual total since 1991.
- Who
- The CDC, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania health officials are involved.
- What
- The CDC questioned the reported causes of two Pennsylvania measles-related deaths and said it was investigating conflicting information.
- When
- The deaths and outbreak reporting occurred this year; Pennsylvania’s figures were current as of Aug. 26, and national CDC figures were through Aug. 20.
- Where
- Pennsylvania, especially Lancaster County, amid a nationwide US measles outbreak.
- Why
- The dispute concerns whether measles caused the two deaths and whether Pennsylvania provided the CDC with sufficient information and cooperation.
Pennsylvania Officials’ Account
CDC and Kennedy’s Questions
Cause of the deaths
Pennsylvania Officials’ Account
Pennsylvania Health Secretary Debra Bogen said the state investigated and confirmed both measles-associated deaths and reported them to the CDC.
CDC and Kennedy’s Questions
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. questioned whether the deaths were caused by something other than measles, and the CDC said it was working to determine what occurred.
Cooperation and information sharing
Pennsylvania Officials’ Account
The Pennsylvania Department of Health said it remains in regular contact with the CDC and has not withheld relevant outbreak information or declined collaboration.
CDC and Kennedy’s Questions
The CDC said Governor Josh Shapiro rejected its help and declined to provide relevant information, raising questions about the state’s reporting.
Responsibility for falling vaccination rates
Pennsylvania Officials’ Account
Josh Shapiro blamed Kennedy for spreading distrust in vaccines and contributing to declining measles, mumps and rubella vaccination rates.
CDC and Kennedy’s Questions
Kennedy said the decline in vaccination rates began before he became the country’s top health official.
- Pennsylvania cases
- 424 total measles cases as of Aug. 26
- Pennsylvania hospitalizations
- 73
- Reported deaths
- Two, both in unvaccinated patients
- National infections
- The CDC confirmed 2,777 US measles infections through Aug. 20
- Geographic concentration
- Most Pennsylvania cases are concentrated in Lancaster County
- Dashboard update
- The CDC delayed its usual weekly update of national measles figures
- Infant death
- LancasterOnline reported that one of the deaths involved an infant