Story perspectives

Health Secretary Asked CDC to Delete Measles Deaths Count

9/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. asked CDC director Erica Schwartz to delete Pennsylvania measles deaths from count.
CDC staff added a note saying information does not establish whether measles caused or contributed to deaths.
Both were unvaccinated, including a newborn who died from a ruptured spleen after testing positive for measles.
Debra Houry and Anne Zink warned that questioning state-reported deaths could erode confidence in the CDC-state partnership.

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Story summary

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. asked CDC director Erica Schwartz to delete Pennsylvania measles deaths from count.
CDC staff added a note saying information does not establish whether measles caused or contributed to deaths.
Both were unvaccinated, including a newborn who died from a ruptured spleen after testing positive for measles.
Debra Houry and Anne Zink warned that questioning state-reported deaths could erode confidence in the CDC-state partnership.