CDC removes two Pennsylvania measles deaths from national tally

September 1, 2026 at 10:48 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention removed two measles-associated deaths reported by Pennsylvania from the national tally, following a directive from CDC Director Erica Schwartz. The removal comes as the US records its highest number of measles cases in 35 years. Pennsylvania health officials had classified the deaths of two unvaccinated Lancaster County residents as measles-associated on August 25.

Key Facts

The CDC removed two measles-associated deaths reported by Pennsylvania from the national tally, following a directive from CDC Director Erica Schwartz.
The US is recording its highest number of measles cases in 35 years.
Pennsylvania health officials announced on August 25 that two unvaccinated Lancaster County residents died in cases classified as measles-associated.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr publicly questioned Pennsylvania's cases last week, suggesting they may have been fabricated.

CDC Data Revision

CDC Director Erica Schwartz ordered the deaths to be excluded from the agency's weekly measles update, according to current and former officials quoted by several US media organisations, including the New York Times. The CDC had initially added the two cases to the website tracking national measles deaths, but later removed them, posting a notice saying it was reviewing additional information about the cases. The CDC website stated on Tuesday that 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.

Pennsylvania Response

The Pennsylvania Department of Health announced on August 25 that two unvaccinated Lancaster County residents had died in cases it classified as measles-associated. Pennsylvania Health Secretary Debra Bogen expressed condolences and emphasised that the MMR vaccine is safe and provides the best protection against measles.

Federal Health Policy Dispute

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, a prominent vaccine sceptic, publicly questioned Pennsylvania's cases last week, saying the announcement may have been fabricated by a governor's staffer. During a Fox News town hall on Saturday, Kennedy said he wanted Health and Human Services to redirect resources to chronic disease and deaths linked to foodborne illness and away from infectious disease.